Can Osteoporosis Affect Your Teeth?

Many people wonder about osteoporosis and their teeth, and whether bone loss can affect their dental health. Although your teeth themselves are not bones, they can be affected by osteoporosis. Deterioration of the jawbones often leads to premature tooth loss, gum disease, and other complications. If you’re concerned about osteoporosis and your dental health, Sunrise Dental of Peoria can help.

Osteoporosis and Your Teeth

Osteoporosis impacts all the bones of the body, including the jawbones. Loss of bone density in the jaw compromises tooth stability, increasing the risk of tooth loss and periodontal disease. Osteoporosis affects teeth as well as dental implants, and may limit your dental treatment options. If you suffer from osteoporosis, be sure to discuss your medical history with us at your next visit.

Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

Because osteoporosis weakens the bones, it greatly increases the risk of periodontal disease. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that affects the periodontal ligament and the alveolar process, or jawbone. Untreated periodontal infections can lead to further bone loss as well as tooth loss. If you have noticed any gum recession, swelling, or bleeding, you should schedule a periodontal examination right away.

What to Expect During a Periodontal Exam

During a periodontal examination at Sunrise Dental, we will carefully assess the condition of your gum tissue and jawbones. First, we check your teeth for mobility, plaque, and tartar. Next, we examine your gums to check for any inflammation, bleeding, or recession, and we measure the depth of the pockets between the teeth. Finally, we take digital x-rays to determine if there is any bone loss in the jaw.

Call Us Today

Do you have questions about how does osteoporosis affect teeth and dental health? Call 623-487-4870 to schedule a periodontal exam at Sunrise Dental in Peoria. Our friendly dentists will answer all of your concerns and conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw. We welcome you to contact us today to learn more about our dental services and to schedule your visit with our talented and caring team.

Photo by Ravi Patel on Unsplash used under Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/15/2021.