Signs of Osteoporosis That Show Up in your Smile

Osteoporosis affects around 10 million people in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by a significant deterioration of the bones, which naturally means the condition may affect your smile. Patients with a diagnosis sometimes lose teeth and have to get dental implants in Mountain View, CA, or opt for other restorative measures. Take a look at some of the ways osteoporosis can affect your oral health.

Dental Signs of Osteoporosis

While osteoporosis is most commonly associated with the deterioration of bones in other areas of the body, facial bones and teeth can also be affected. Here is a look at some of the dental signs of osteoporosis.

1. Tooth loss

When the supporting foundations beneath the teeth you see in your mouth start to break down, this naturally leads to issues with the teeth. Teeth may become loose, be more prone to decay, or even need to be extracted. Of course, proactive osteoporosis treatment can negate some of these changes to better protect your oral health.

2. Changes in jaw structure

The jaws are made up of several bones that come together in a hinged joint. Individuals with osteoporosis often develop structural issues in their joints, which means the disease could affect their jaws. This is why it is important to work closely with your dentist and healthcare provider so any signs of degeneration can be spotted early.

3. Ill-fitting dentures

Along with changes in jaw structure can come changes to the structure and shape of your mouth. For patients who wear dentures, this may mean a loss of bone height that supports the ridgeline where dentures are held in place. With osteoporosis, you may have to have your dentures realigned at some point to achieve a better fit.

Talk to a Mountain View Dentist About Your Oral Health with Osteoporosis

An osteoporosis diagnosis can be scary to hear, as the disease can affect multiple aspects of your health. However, with a proactive plan in place, including with your Mountain View dentist, you can protect your health for the long term. Reach out to us at Cassara Dental to schedule an appointment today.