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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Andrew M. Sklar, DDS
Osteoporosis and Your Dental Health
Andrew M. Sklar, DDS, PC

Osteoporosis and Your Dental Health

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? And that osteoporosis has a direct relationship on oral and dental health?
Osteoporosis, a bone disorder which weakens bones by reducing their density, affects 10 million Americans, with 34 million more who suffer 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.
Because the jawbone is the most visible of all bones and contains a higher proportion of spongy trabecular bone, with a higher bone “turnover”, any disruption to this  “turnover” balance, and subsequent bone loss, is more evident in the jawbone than in other parts of the body. Bone loss here may well indicate bone loss in the rest of the body.
In addition to damaging the jawbone, osteoporosis can also trigger dental and oral health issues, including gum or periodontal diseases and loss of teeth. The dental and oral effects of osteoporosis tend to affect more women than men.
Even if someone has no teeth, the effects of osteoporosis can still affect their dental and oral health. Bone weakness and loss may also affect the bony ridges that hold dentures in the proper position, resulting in poor-fitting dentures. Women suffering from osteoporosis are most likely to experience difficulties linked to ill-fitting or loose dentures.
In addition to scheduling regular dentist visits, you can help optimize bone health and decrease your risk of developing osteoporosis by:
Getting 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).
Adding a vitamin D supplement.
Exercising regularly, especially weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises like jogging, weight training, dancing and walking.
Quitting smoking.
Decreasing caffeine, soda, and alcohol intake.
Be sure to inform your dentist if you are currently taking bisphosphonates to manage your osteoporosis as there are risks involved and your treatment may need to be modified. Most of all, see your dentist regularly to maintain your oral health and your overall wellbeing.

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