Dentists May Notice Signs Of Osteoporosis First

By Andrew M. Sklar, DDS

Andrew M. Sklar, DDS, PC

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Dentists May Notice Signs Of Osteoporosis First

Did you know your dentist may be the first health professional to suspect that you have osteoporosis and refer you to a physician to confirm a diagnosis? Osteoporosis, a bone disorder which weakens bones by reducing their density, affects 10 million Americans, with 34 million more suffering from low bone density at risk for the disease. Although the disease may strike either gender at any age, women over age 50 have the highest incidence of the disease and noticeable bone loss can occur in women as early as 35 years of age.

Dental x-rays can provide a well-informed dentist with an opportunity to screen you for bone loss. X-rays may indicate a decrease in the density of the jawbone and the bone around the teeth. When compared from year to year, they may show advancing stages of the disease.

Why is the jawbone such an ideal place to look for early signs of declining bone mass? Because it is the most visible of all bones and contains a higher proportion of spongy inner trabecular bone, which has a high “turnover” rate. The body is continually “turning over” bone – getting rid of the old and making new. When this balance is disrupted, bone loss occurs. Because the concentration of trabecular bone and, thus, the rate of bone “turnover” are higher in the jawbone, any disruption to this “turnover” balance, and subsequent bone loss, are more evident. Bone loss here may well indicate bone loss in the rest of the body.

Receding gums, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and loose or ill-fitting dentures may also suggest erosion of the jawbone and bone loss in other parts of the body. Receding gums indicate that the jawbone is eroding due to mineral loss. As gums recede, roots of the teeth become visible. Periodontal disease and tooth loss occur when infection develops in a weakened jawbone.

In addition to scheduling regular dentist visits, you can help prevent osteoporosis with the following actions

Get enough calcium each day through diet (dairy, calcium-fortified foods, broccoli, and almonds) or supplements (women 1,200mg; men 800mg; anyone over age 65 1,500mg).

Add vitamin D to your diet.

Exercise (especially weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises).

Quit smoking.

Decrease your caffeine, soft drink, and alcohol intake.

If you or your dentist suspects that you have osteoporosis, be sure to visit your primary health care practitioner as soon as possible. Early intervention is the key to managing both your oral and overall health.