You should visit Elation Dental before starting medications (infusions or injections) to treat osteoporosis!
Osteoporosis, a condition characterised by low bone mineral density, affects not only the skeleton but also your dental health. You need to have any problem teeth fixed or extracted BEFORE you start treatment for your osteoporosis. Make an online appointment with our dentists at Elation Dental, Croydon South before starting medication. You can also call Elation Dental on 9725 2029.
- Osteoporosis and teeth
- People with osteoporosis may have an increased risk of tooth loss due to low bone mineral density in the jaw and facial bones. Fragile bones are more prone to fractures, and this extends to the jawbone.
- Jawbone density: osteoporosis-related jawbone loss can complicate dental treatment. Low bone density may affect the success of treatments such as implants, dentures and bridges.
- Facial collapse: severe jawbone loss can lead to facial collapse, contributing to premature ageing. Panoramic dental X-rays can potentially help detect osteoporosis by showing jawbone thickness and porosity.
- Tooth loss
- Research has found a link between osteoporosis and tooth loss. While other factors (such as age, smoking, race, menopause, oral hygiene and hormones) play a role, osteoporosis remains a significant contributor.
- A study of postmenopausal South Indian women found that 39% of participants had osteoporosis. More than half of them had poor dental health, cavities and tooth loss.
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Both osteoporosis and gum disease involve bone resorption (shrinkage and loss). Studies confirm a relationship between the two conditions, with each potentially acting as a risk factor for the other.
- Shared risk factors: osteoporosis and gum disease share risk factors such as older age, genetics, hormonal changes, smoking, and low calcium and vitamin D.
- Osteoporosis medications and dental health
- Some medications used to treat osteoporosis can affect oral health. In particular, antiresorptive drugs (which strengthen bones) may cause a rare but serious condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw.
- Examples of antiresorptive medications include:
- Fosamax (alendronate)
- Actonel (risedronate)
- Atelvia (risedronate sodium)
- Didronel (etidronate disodium)
- Boniva (ibandronate sodium)
- Reclast (zoledronic acid)
- Prolia (denosumab)
- Osteonecrosis most commonly affects cancer patients receiving higher doses of these medications. Invasive dental procedures, such as tooth extraction, can trigger osteonecrosis.
- Conclusion
- While osteoporosis itself doesn’t directly affect teeth, its effect on bone density can indirectly influence dental health.
- It’s important to make an online appointment at Elation Dental, Croydon South before you start taking osteoporosis medication.