Dental enamel defects and oral cavity manifestations in Asian patients with celiac disease.

Abstract

While the small intestine is the main site of disease, many other organs are affected by celiac disease (CeD). Dental enamel defects (DED) are common in patients with CeD, and these are one of the indicators of CeD, even when no other symptom of CeD is present. Data on dental and oral cavity manifestations in Asian patients with CeDare scanty. The purpose of the current studywas to evaluate dental and oral manifestations in Asian patients with CeD. We recruited 118 patients with biopsy-confirmed CeD (36 treatment naïve and 82 onfollow-up forat least 1 year on gluten-free diet [GFD]) and 40 controls. Diagnosis was made as per the standard criteria. Oral and dental manifestations were evaluated by a dental surgeon. The DED were evaluated according to Aine's criteria. Overall higher number of patients with CeD (66.9%), both treatment naïve (69.4%) and those on GFD (65.8%) had DED in comparison to controls (20%) (odds ratio, 8.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4-19.2; p<0.001). Specific/bilaterally symmetrical DED were significantly higher in patients with CeD than controls. Recurrent aphthous ulcers were also significantly higher in patients with CeD. Approximately 80.6% and 63.4% treatment-naïve patients and those on GFD, respectively reported dry mouth sensation, which was significantly higher than the controls. Almost two-third of patients with CeD had DED. Physicians and dietitians caring for patients with CeD should betrained in identification of DED and other oral manifestations of CeD.