How Osteoporosis Affects Our Teeth

You would probably think that osteoporosis could not affect our teeth, unfortunately it does. Osteoporosis is a bone disease, but teeth aren’t bones. This means that many people don’t make the link between the two conditions. The truth is, Osteoporosis and tooth loss have a close relationship. 

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that causes sufferers to lose bone density. Bone fractures and breaks are the most common symptoms of osteoporosis, but the loss of bone density can also have a significant impact on oral health. As well as a worrying loss of bone density, patients with osteoporosis are at a greater risk of developing periodontitis, more commonly known as gum disease. As the jaw loses bone density, it can make it easier for bacteria to penetrate, leading to gum disease. Women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience tooth loss, but it’s the loss of bone density and gum disease that are to blame. 

Osteoporosis doesn’t cause tooth decay. Instead, it affects the structure inside the body that keeps the teeth in place.

Can strengthening bone help prevent tooth loss?

Yes, strengthening bone can help to prevent tooth loss. If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, your doctor is likely to help and advise you on lifestyle changes you can make that improve your bone health. 

Whatever your age, there are several things you can do to prevent bone loss, including:

• Exercise regularly

• Eat healthily

• Give up smoking (I know this might be difficult to do, as I myself find it difficult)

• Drink less alcohol

All of these things you can do for yourself safely at home. Taking control of your bone health is the first step toward preventing tooth loss.

It is very important to keep your bones healthy so your teeth stay healthy also, I hope this information will help you understand how important it is to keep working on your bone health.

Until next time!

Cecilia