A general dentist has a wealth of knowledge, not only about oral health but also about health issues that may affect or threaten oral health. Osteoporosis, for example, is a condition that weakens bones in the body. The health of our teeth depends on a variety of factors, including dental hygiene, hereditary tooth structure and even seemingly unrelated health problems throughout the body.
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, weakening them and making them easily breakable. It is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. The body is constantly absorbing and replacing bone tissue, but with osteoporosis, the creation of new bone does not fully replace old bone. Unfortunately, the condition is widely undetectable until a fracture occurs.
Women are twice as likely to develop osteoporosis, but only by a relatively small margin. The areas most affected by osteoporosis are the hip, spine and wrist, but any bone in the body can be affected. The condition mostly affects patients over the age of 40, but cases have been reported as young as 14. Even though this is a medical condition, a general dentist will have knowledge about the way it affects the teeth.
Although osteoporosis does not affect the teeth directly, it can target the jawbone. Specifically, it affects the part of the jawbone that supports the teeth. When the jawbone is compromised, the sufferer may start to experience an increased frequency of dental issues.
Jawbone loss is likely to cause tooth loss and loosened teeth. Gum recession can occur as well. When the teeth are unsupported, they begin to loosen. The gum has less to hold onto, so it begins to recede due to disuse. As a result of this gum recession, the teeth can become more susceptible to decay and the gums more prone to gum disease. The vicious cycle continues until tooth loss occurs.
In addition to making an appointment with a general dentist to get to the root of these issues, there are ways to control and even prevent the progression of the condition.
Give your teeth the best fighting chance by first implementing a diligent oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing and flossing needs to be a top priority when you are diagnosed with osteoporosis if you want to avoid teeth problems. Regular professional dental cleanings will also help. Your general dentist will be able to work with you and come up with an action plan to treat teeth issues related to osteoporosis.
A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can lessen the effects of osteoporosis on dental health. Vitamin D also helps in preventing infections of the mouth tissue, like gum disease. For some women, estrogen may even be a valuable treatment for dental health problems associated with osteoporosis.
Request an appointment here: https://www.queensfamilydental.com or call Queens Family Dental at (718) 690-9597 for an appointment in our Astoria office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Partial dentures are a great tooth replacement option for missing teeth. They are easier on the mouth than full dentures but not as costly as dental implants. Those that wear partial dentures can expect an easier eating experience, better speaking and an aesthetically pleasing smile. However, with partial dentures comes discipline, meaning the wearer must…
Implant dentistry procedures have the highest rate of success among all the options available for replacing missing teeth. The process of replacing a single missing tooth is straightforward and involves using an implant as artificial tooth roots and supporting it with a dental crown. Continue reading to learn how the process works.Regardless of the number…
Orthodontic treatment is known to correct misalignments of the jaw and teeth. Additionally, general dentists offer orthodontics to patients who have gaps in their teeth or severe crowding. One of the most popular methods of treatment is called Invisalign®, which can be used in adults, as well as teenagers who have all of their teeth.…
Anyone considering dental veneers should understand the details of how they work to help determine if they are candidates. These thin, shell-like pieces are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that enhances the overall appearance of the teeth. Here are the various ways that general dentists utilize veneers for their patients.Veneers are thin porcelain shells that a…
Partial dentures are a great tooth replacement option for missing teeth. They are easier on the mouth than full dentures but not as costly as dental implants. Those that wear partial dentures can expect an easier eating experience, better speaking and an aesthetically pleasing smile. However, with partial dentures comes discipline, meaning the wearer must…
Implant dentistry procedures have the highest rate of success among all the options available for replacing missing teeth. The process of replacing a single missing tooth is straightforward and involves using an implant as artificial tooth roots and supporting it with a dental crown. Continue reading to learn how the process works.Regardless of the number…