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: http://www.riversdentistry.com or call Rivers Family Dentistry at (979) 710-2216 for an appointment in our Bryan office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Chipping needs dental bonding so that the tooth can regain its proper structure. Trauma and decay are the most common causes of dental chipping. Both cause the tooth to weaken and break easily. Your dentist must use this treatment to correct the damage right away. Here are the details on using dental bonding to repair…
A trip to the dentist every six months can go a long way toward protecting your oral health. General dentists can perform an oral exam, catching any oral health issues early on. They will also remove tartar buildup during a professional teeth cleaning to preserve the teeth and gums. Explore why you should schedule an…
Most people see their family dentist every six months for a dental cleaning. However, there are oral health issues that warrant a trip to the dentist’s office in between cleanings. These check-ins can protect your teeth’s integrity and your overall oral health in the long run.It is common for patients to wonder whether they can…
Your dentist can perform dental bonding in the clinic. This is a quick treatment that can restore your teeth’s healthy appearance. It could be the solution you need for your current dental issues. You should consider the following cosmetic benefits of dental bonding.The dentist needs to shave off a layer of enamel for treatments like…
Chipping needs dental bonding so that the tooth can regain its proper structure. Trauma and decay are the most common causes of dental chipping. Both cause the tooth to weaken and break easily. Your dentist must use this treatment to correct the damage right away. Here are the details on using dental bonding to repair…
A trip to the dentist every six months can go a long way toward protecting your oral health. General dentists can perform an oral exam, catching any oral health issues early on. They will also remove tartar buildup during a professional teeth cleaning to preserve the teeth and gums. Explore why you should schedule an…