Osteoporosis and Dental Bone Loss

By Michael S Saoud, DMD

Michael S. Saoud, DMD

. https://www.drsaoud.com/

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Osteoporosis and Dental Bone Loss

From the moment we are born until sometime in our early 20's, our bones grow denser and thicker as our skeletons develop. We continue to build bone mass until our 20's, when our bones are at their strongest. As we grow older, our bones begin to lose their density and strength as part of the aging process, especially after we reach our 50's. Many factors affect bone density, including diet, physical activity, family history, hormones, lifestyle, and certain conditions and medications.

Osteoporosis or porous bone is a disease that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break. Osteoporosis can lead to broken bones, especially of the hip, spine and wrist. Osteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans, eight million whom are women. Thirty-four million Americans have low bone density and are at risk for developing osteoporosis. This affects more women then cancer, heart disease and stroke combined.

Bisphosphonate-Associated

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Recent news reports have alarmed and confused people who take medications (bisphosphonates) to prevent or treat osteoporosis. That's because a side-effect called osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported in some patients who have taken these medications. Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw, or BON, is a rare but serious condition that can cause severe damage to the jawbone. Necrosis of the jaw bones can cause loss of teeth as well as the entire jaw of a person. The majority of people diagnosed with BON are cancer patients who are receiving or did receive repeated high doses of bisphosphonates through an intravenous (IV) infusion. The rest of the people with BON were taking oral medications prescribed by their physicians for treatment of their osteoporosis.

How To Diagnosis and Combat

Tell your dentist if you are prescribed osteoporosis medication. Your dentist will show you good oral hygiene practices, as well as monitor your dental and oral health while you take the medication. The jaw bone problems can be detected early on with routine hygiene exams and x-rays. The medical and dental communities continue to research how to prevent and treat BON to ensure the safety of patients taking bisphosphonate medications.

The ADA believes that your doctor and/or healthcare provider is the best source of information regarding your need for bisphosphonate medications. You should not stop taking these medications without speaking to your doctor or other healthcare provider. If you have osteoporosis or are at high risk for bone breaks, the benefits of these medications greatly outweigh the low risk of developing BON. Presently, there is no known prevention for BON. However, regular dental visits and excellent oral hygiene practices may be the best ways to reduce your risk.

For more information visit the ADA's web site, www.ada.org, and the National Osteoprosis Foundation's web site, www.nof.org.