Mouth Ulcers From Celiac Disease

Celiac disease can cause a number of symptoms including mouth ulcers (canker sores). If you get frequent canker sores, celiac disease might be a possibility. Along with treating the canker sore directly, you will need to follow a strict diet to heal and reduce occurrences.

Why Celiac Disease Causes Mouth Ulcers

• Celiac disease indicates a strong sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. Your immune system attacks these substances and results in canker sores and other symptoms.

Mouth Ulcers as a Symptom

• Canker sores are one of the most common non-gastrointestinal symptoms. According to Dr. Farhad Sharam of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, canker sores are the only symptom that manifest in one out of 20 suffers of celiac disease. If you get frequent canker sores, celiac disease might be a possibility particularly if you have a parent or sibling with the condition.

Dietary Suggestions

• Your diet constitutes your primary defense against preventing and eliminating mouth ulcers and other symptoms of this condition. Avoid wheat, barley and rye. Read food labels carefully.

Medications

• Your doctor might prescribe a number of treatments to help treat canker sores that include medicated mouth washes, topical medications and drugs. It is important to mention however that they are not a substitute for proper eating. According to Dr. Sharam, his studies indicated common medical treatments were not nearly as effective as sticking to a gluten-free diet.

Self-Care

• Certain self-care measures can provide relief. Make a mouth rinse from salt water or baking soda. Put ice directly on the sore. Cover the sore with a baking soda paste.