Gluten is a mixture of proteins found in all grains.  A sub fraction of gluten, prolamine gliadin, found most prominently in wheat, is the most talked about cause of gluten sensitivity.  Allergens can also be found in rice, corn, millet, etc. Gluten Sensitivity, Gluten Allergies, and Gluten Intolerance have hundreds of symptoms and have been linked to dozens of diseases and inflictions.  Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy (and Celiac Disease) is a common disorder affecting both children and adults.

Gluten Sensitivity has a varied and wide range of symptoms.  Symptoms are not always easily detected.  Recent studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia have linked defects in tooth enamel and recurrent aphthous ulcers with celiac disease.  The appearance of aphthous ulcers or canker sores may be a visible symptom to unrecognized celiac disease.  Sometimes the mouth may be the only indicator of gluten induced disease.  In addition to aphthous ulcers (canker sores) and dental enamel defects there are a number of other oral manifestations of gluten as well.

Oral Symptoms:

• canker sores
• tooth enamel defects
• Tonsilar stones or exudates (appears as white lumps of puss embedded in the tonsils)
• Pharyngeal Erythema (chronic severe redness in the back of the throat)
• Excessive mucus production (leads to chronic throat clearing)
• Bad breath
• Cystic Frenula (a small cyst can form on the flap of skin connecting your top lip to your gums)
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Geographic tongue (gluten induced damage on the tongue – makes the tongue look similar to a topographical map)
  

Dentists can play on important role in identifying people who may have unrecognized celiac disease. Appropriate referral and a timely diagnosis can help prevent serious complications of this disorder.  When encountered, the patient or family physician should explore clinical symptoms, associated disorders and family history of celiac disease and obtain gynecological testing.