Osteoporosis is an ailment that comprises of loss in bone density, resulting in weak bones, easily causing fractures. Our bodies regularly absorb and reconstruct bone tissue; Osteoporosis is caused when there is an imbalance in this process. This may occur when the body is unable to produce sufficient new bone or absorbing too much bone; it may also be a result of both.

HOW DOES OSTEOPOROSIS AFFECT ORAL AND DENTAL HEALTH?

While Osteoporosis hampers the overall health and wellbeing, it can also have a direct impact on oral and dental health. The disease can hamper or damage jawbones and trigger gum or Periodontal Diseases and cause loss of teeth. The dental and oral effects of Osteoporosis are inclined to affect more women than men, especially women who are already in their menopausal phase. For someone who doesn’t have teeth and wears dentures, the effects of Osteoporosis can still affect their dental and oral health. Bone weakness and damage may also disturb the body ridges that hold dentures in proper position, resulting in poor-fitting dentures.

SIGNS OF OSTEOPOROSIS ONE SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR: Your dentist may notice the first stage of Osteoporosis based on evaluation of your medical history, and the result of clinical and X-ray reports. Your medical record provides details about risk factors such as genetics, Calcium deficiency, smoking, Menopause, extreme caffeine or alcohol consumption and an inactive lifestyle. In addition, numerous other signs may alert your dentist to the possibility of Osteoporosis:

– Loss of the bone in the jaw and around the teeth

– Tooth loss as a result of prolonged decay

– Loose dentures

– Gum disease

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS: Osteoporosis was previously considered a normal part of aging, but it is now understood to be preventable and treatable. Many interventions reduce fracture risk in the general population and can be used for primary and secondary prevention. These strategies include adequate intake of combined Calcium and Vit-D intake (Calcium alone has not been shown to reduce fractures), Antiresorptive Therapy, weight-bearing exercise, tobacco avoidance, moderate alcohol intake, and avoidance of trip or fall hazards.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO PREVENT ORAL ILL-HEALTH RESULTING FROM OSTEOARTHRITIS: Eating a well-balanced diet fruits & vegetables – increasing evidence suggests a positive association between fruit and vegetable (FV) components and bone health. These components include Potassium, Manganese, Vit-B complex, Vit-C, E, and K, and Phytochemicals (e.g., Carotenoids). Dietary sources of Calcium are Milk, Cottage Cheese, Yogurt, hard Cheese, green vegetables, etc. The greater intake of FV is associated with an increase in bone mass, and decrease in bone loss and fracture risk.

– Eat food that includes high amounts of Vitamin D & calcium

– Perform regular physical activities

– Avoid excessive intake of alcohol and smoking

(Disclaimer: Dr Raghavendra KS, Consultant, Joint Replacement & Spine Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan & Dr Ajay Mathur, HOD-Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hiranandani Hospital Vashi- A Fortis Network Hospital. Views expressed are a personal opinion.)

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