Coeliac disease and its implications on the oral health of children: A systematic review

Abstract

AimApart from various typical gastrointestinal symptoms, coeliac disease may have its clinical manifestations in the oral cavity which is the entrance of the gastrointestinal tract.MethodsA systematic review of literature was performed using the following databases: Medline, Scopus, EBSCOhost and Cochrane Library for Systematic Review. Inclusion criteria: observational or experimental original studies published in English with full text available between January 2000 and December 2022, regarding children and adolescents under the age of 20. Risk of bias was determined with the use of Risk Of Bias In Non‐randomised Studies of Exposure.ResultsThirty‐four studies were included in the review. The analysis confirmed a higher prevalence of numerous oral manifestations in coeliac disease concerning both hard and soft tissues. Our study found the prevalence of dental enamel defects to be at the level of 17.9%–83.5% (P value <0.047) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis of 8.3%–69% (P value <0.039).ConclusionOral manifestations may precede gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients presenting such manifestations should be screened for coeliac disease. The cooperation of gastroenterologists and dentists could lead to an increased detectability of coeliac disease.

Celiac Disease-Related Enamel Defects: A Systematic Review

“…Studies propose that CD may interfere with the normal mineralization of dental enamel, resulting in structural abnormalities [ 16 ]. Enamel defects, such as pitting, grooving, and discoloration, have been reported in individuals with CD, providing potential oral markers for the condition [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ].…”

“…The significance of exploring the correlation between CD and DEDs lies in the potential for early diagnosis and management. DEDs can be an early indicator of CD, offering a window of opportunity for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes [ 22 ]. Moreover, understanding the nuances of this correlation can enhance the overall quality of care for individuals affected by CD [ 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 ].…”