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Signs That Gluten is Causing Your Child’s Dental Problems

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease. It affects infants, children and adults and results in a permanent intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. 

While not a food allergy, Celiac is nonetheless a common disorder and about 1% or more of North Americans may develop it and it can occur at any age. With progression, there is increasing damage to the villi of the small intestine, which are responsible for uptake of nutrients, leading to nutrient- related diseases such as osteoporosis, malabsorption syndromes, anemia, even lymphoma and other cancers.

Celiac is an inherited disease which can show up because of a variety of different conditions. The most important factor in preventing development of celiac in at-risk babies is breastfeeding up to a year or more, especially upon first exposure to gluten.

Studies show that the timing of the introduction of gluten and amount of gluten given is important. Babies ingesting gluten laden cereals, crackers or other gluten containing foods during the first three months of life are an increased the risk for development of celiac disease, compared to infants who were first given gluten around six months of age.

Can Gluten Cause Cavities?

Dr. Richard Herbold of Capital District Vitality Center in New York writes that gluten can be the culprit in extensive dental decay in children as well.   He writes:

Some parents are unprepared for the staggering dental bills and persistent cavities children get, even when they brush and floss regularly. Parents know to restrict sugar, but what they may not realize is that a hidden gluten intolerance and poor gut health, not a fluoride deficiency, may be the cause of those cavities. For many children, simply transitioning to a gluten-free diet works wonders for halting decay and improving dental health.

Gluten Cross-Reactors Can Cause Dental Problems Too

Wheat products, which make up about 20% to 50% of the American diet, contain higher levels of gluten than in the past. In addition, meat substitutes can contain it labeled as seitan, which adds to exposure levels. Ingestion of gluten, antibiotics, etc, causes damage to the barrier which protects the gut. The gluten particles are able to “leak” into the blood and travel to other parts of the body which causes a condition called gluten sensitivity (GS).

These partially digested particles put the immune system on alert which results in the dispatch of inflammatory messengers to other parts of the body, including the brain whenever the “enemy” is present. Gluten even crosses the blood brain barrier and inflames the brain tissues. Many studies have shown complete or partial remission of brain-related problems such as schizophrenia, depression, ADHD, autism, migraines and Alzheimer’s Disease when gluten is removed from the diet.

In Swedish studies from the 1990,’s prompted by an epidemic of celiac disease, it was found that babies given higher amounts of wheat baby foods were much more likely to develop celiac disease. 

For persons who have a relative or parent with celiac disease, the disorder can show up after a virus, accident, pregnancy, or stressful situation.

But celiac disease is often silent and insidious. A certain degree of damage must occur before the disease can be diagnosed through blood testing.  Although it is a relatively common condition, of those susceptible, 90% can remain undiagnosed. In fact, the average time to diagnosis in a Canadian study was 12 years.

(02/08/2021)
by The Healthy Home Economist

More Information: https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/signs-gluten-causing-childs-dental-decay/

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