Bone up on Osteoporosis of the Jaw: Are your teeth at risk?

  
What is Osteoporosis?

Well, to outline the bare bones…Osteoporosis means "porous bones". It is a disorder in which the bones become brittle and fragile. Weakness of the bones leads to an increase in the chance for fractures. In severe cases, simple actions like bumping into furniture can cause a break. This loss in bone density is typically a result of hormonal changes, or loss of Calcium or Vitamin D.

 Osteoporosis and the Jawbone

Decreased bone density of the jaw and loss of its bone tissue leads to thinning of the jawbone. This weakens the support system of the teeth. Osteoporosis may cause teeth to become “loose” or mobile and may eventually lead to tooth loss, especially in older people. A study demonstrated that women with osteoporosis are approximately three times more likely to experience tooth loss than those who do not have the disease. Similarly, this can compromise placement and retention of dental bridges or implants.

Exercise!

  Effect of Treatment on the Jaw

It is unclear whether treatments for osteoporosis are of any benefit to the jawbone. Infact, biphosphonates, used in the treatment of osteoporosis, remain a bone of contention (no pun intended) with some believing they may cause osteonecrosis or “bone death” of the jawbone. To make no bones about it, prevention is the only way out!

  Prevention of Osteoporosis

The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Make sure your body gets its daily requirement of calcium and Vitamin D through a balanced diet.
• Keep your bones strong by exercising regularly. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, running or dancing prevent osteoporosis.
• Do not smoke!
• Regular visits to your dentist can help detect early warning signs of osteoporosis such as poorly-fitting dentures, loose teeth or severe gum disease. Research shows that detection of changes in the jawbone in dental x-rays could help your dentist diagnose osteoporosis early on.