How Can Osteoporosis Affect Your Dental Health?

With more than 53 million people afflicted or at risk, osteoporosis is an important concern for anyone in the U.S., particularly those over age 50. Statistics show that approximately 50% of women and 25% of men in that age range will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis affects bones, so it can’t directly harm teeth. But multiple studies have shown a correlation between the disease and tooth loss. So if you want to keep your teeth – and, in our experience, most people do – it’s worth your time to take to heart the connections between osteoporosis and teeth.

What Is Osteoporosis?

In short: Osteoporosis makes bones more brittle and likely to break, and may affect any bone in the body. It is not exclusively faced by older adults, though the odds of developing it go up as you age. Each bone has a spongy interior, and when the host has osteoporosis, it is more difficult for bones to produce new tissue. It’s worth noting that while bones are made of collagen and calcium phosphate, teeth are composed of enamel, cementum, dentin and pulp – which means they don’t contain living tissue and can’t be affected by osteoporosis.

How Can Osteoporosis Affect Dental Health?

Osteoporosis may not be able to physically weaken your teeth, but it can physically weaken your jawbone – you know, the part of the body that anchors and supports your teeth. And if the structural integrity of that support system is damaged, it can lead to loose teeth, or even lost teeth. Those who use dentures may find that osteoporosis causes the denture to be loose or ill-fitting as well. And studies have suggested that a weakened jawbone may be more sensitive to periodontal bacteria, which increases the risk of gum disease.

Causes Beyond Age

Aging isn’t the only contributor to dental osteoporosis concerns. Another risk factor is bisphosphonates, sometimes used – in pill or IV form – to treat osteoporosis. Though it slows the breakdown of bone, in some cases, the drug has been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw. Though this complication is rare in osteoporosis patients, it has been known to occur in patients who are given large doses as part of cancer treatment. Osteonecrosis may cause:

• Pain, swelling or infection of the gums or jaw
• Slow healing of recently injured or treated gums
• Loose teeth
• Feelings of numbness or heaviness in the jaw
• Exposed bone

What Can I Do About it?

As always, the best ways to protect your teeth against potential harm include brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for a routine cleaning and check-up twice a year. But although osteoporosis cannot be cured, there are tools to fight against the dental difficulties connected to it. Other general tips include:

• Eat a well-balanced diet, with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy
• Limit sugar intake
• Get enough exercise and maintain a healthy weight
• Get 1,000-1,200 mg calcium and 600-800 IU vitamin D, incorporating supplements if needed
• Drink less alcohol
• Avoid smoking

See Your Dentist About Concerns

It’s not uncommon for osteoporosis to be caught at the dentist’s office. The most common method for detecting osteoporosis is a bone mineral density test, but dental X-rays can also spot low bone density – and the average person visits the dentist more than they visit the doctor. You should make a point of consulting your dentist about any looseness in teeth or dentures, or about pain and discomfort in the teeth or gums.

At Springfield Dental Group, we’re ready to help with any dental issues you may be facing. Reach out to us today about scheduling a visit.