You might think that general dentistry and osteoporosis do not have anything in common. After all, osteoporosis is a bone disease, so it should not impact the teeth. That could not be further from the truth. Osteoporosis does not just weaken hip bones, arms and legs. It also affects your oral health.
Jawbone Density
People with osteoporosis experience a loss of bone density, and that often includes the jawbone. A reduction in jawbone density can cause serious dental issues.
Tooth Loss and Jawbone Density
People initially report loose teeth after losing jawbone density. Eventually, the teeth might fall out. Many go to an office of general dentistry to get dentures at this point. Unfortunately, dentures are often ill-fitting on people who have osteoporosis, so oral surgery might be necessary.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is another concern when people have osteoporosis. The loss of bone density in the jawbone can make it easier for bacteria to penetrate and affect the bone. This leads to gum disease.
Gum Disease and Bone Loss
Gum disease destroys the teeth’s supporting structures, causing tooth loss. It is important to treat periodontal disease immediately to limit the damage it can do. An office of general dentistry has the necessary tools to treat this issue, so it does not get worse.
Limiting the Damage
Osteoporosis can be incredibly damaging to oral health. Fortunately, people can do some things to curb the damage.
Keep Regularly Scheduled Dental Appointments
A dentist is the first line of defense against oral issues. Dentists examine patients, looking for signs of oral issues. Finding possible problems early increases the likelihood of a positive outcome with treatment.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A diet full of calcium and Vitamin D optimizes bone health. Even those who already have osteoporosis should eat a healthy diet to minimize the impact of the disease on their lives.
Exercise
Exercise helps keep bones strong. People who are concerned about osteoporosis should engage in regular exercise to strengthen their bones.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can cause osteoporosis and make it easier to fracture bones. It is also very dangerous for the mouth. Smoking is a risk factor for tooth loss, so those who have osteoporosis are encouraged to put down the cigarettes once and for all.
Stop Drinking Alcohol
It is common to have a drink from time to time, but alcohol consumption can lead to osteoporosis and cause complications for those who already suffer from it. People should limit the amount of alcohol they drink in order to protect their bones.
General Dentistry and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes people to lose bone density in their jaws, which can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is another concern. Go to an office of general dentistry at least two times a year to get regular checkups. The dentist will look for signs of damage and take steps to correct them before it is too late.
Request an appointment or call Integrated Dental Care at (610) 600-9745 for an appointment in our Exton office.