To Give Your Child Gluten or Not: Celiac Disease and Your Child’s Oral Health
It may seem like “gluten free” options are at every grocery store or local restaurant. And even though it can seem like a trendy diet, it is actually a dietary restriction for those who have a condition called Celiac disease. As an immune-mediated disease that occurs when a patient is exposed to gluten, it can cause severe abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Additionally, there are oral manifestations to this disease as well which are especially useful to know about if you suspect your child has Celiac. From delayed tooth eruption to a decrease in salivary flow, this article will list a few oral indications that your child may have Celiac disease. Read on to learn more.
Delayed Tooth Eruption
When you’re a new parent, it can be hard not to compare your baby to your friends baby or the babies you see on social media. If your friends four-month-old has started to sprout teeth, and your 8-month-old still doesn’t have one in sight, don’t freak out— that’s normal. Every baby starts sprouting teeth at a different age— anywhere from about 4-12 months on average. If your child is over the age of one and still doesn’t have any signs of teeth, talk to Dr. Janice Scott about it. Although it might not be an issue, it can be indicative of Celiac disease.
Decrease In Salivary Flow
Unless your little one is talking already, this can be a difficult symptom to spot. However, a decrease in salivary cannot only be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to things like dental decay. When trying to analyze if your little one has an issue with their salivary glands, try to notice if they are thirsty more, if their tongue seems dry, or if they have chapped lips. If you do suspect a decrease in their salivary flow, bring them into Dr. Janice Scott as this is also an indication that they could potentially have Celiac disease.
Schedule a Consultation
These two dental symptoms alone aren’t necessarily indicative of your child having Celiac disease. However, if they have both of these symptoms in conjunction to an upset or painful stomach, then it’s worth looking more into. To learn more about Celiac disease and how it can impact your little one’s oral health, call Dr. Janice Scott today at (209) 478-3036 to schedule an appointment.