the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults, but studies show that women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to lose teeth. May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, so Dr. Bender would like to discuss how to keep your bones strong to prevent tooth loss.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that decreases bone mineral density and deteriorates bone tissue. It commonly weakens the bones in the hip, spine, and wrist, but may also affect other bones in the body—including those in your jaw. If the condition affects your jaw, the bones that hold your teeth will become very thin and won’t be able to provide enough support, contributing to tooth loss and fractures. Post-menopausal women are most likely to develop osteoporosis due to the decline in estrogen production.
Keeping Bones Strong
Since osteoporosis and gum disease both break down the jaw bone, researchers believe the two illnesses are related. No matter what condition is weakening your jaw bones, Dr. Bender recommends these tactics to keep your bones strong and prevent tooth loss:
Maintain a healthy diet. Calcium is an essential nutrient to keep teeth and bones strong. Additionally, vitamin D helps prevent infections (including gum infections) and helps the body absorb calcium. When you don’t consume enough calcium, your body will leech the mineral from your teeth and bones, which causes thinning and weakening.
Practice healthy behaviors. The natural aging process limits mobility and function, but if you have osteoporosis, you should be extra careful not to hurt your bones. For example, exercising helps strengthen your body, but make sure you are wearing a mouth guard and proper protective gear to avoid injuries.
Visit Dr. Bender. Your Atlanta dentist can take X-rays of your mouth to examine your bone structure and density. He can also check for signs of periodontal disease to treat the condition in its early stages. Furthermore, Dr. Bender can restore missing teeth with comfortable dentures or sturdy dental implants. However, a healthy jaw bone is helpful in implant placement, and bone loss can occur in the bony ridges that support dentures. Studies show that people with osteoporosis need denture adjustments more often.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that decreases bone mineral density and deteriorates bone tissue. It commonly weakens the bones in the hip, spine, and wrist, but may also affect other bones in the body—including those in your jaw. If the condition affects your jaw, the bones that hold your teeth will become very thin and won’t be able to provide enough support, contributing to tooth loss and fractures. Post-menopausal women are most likely to develop osteoporosis due to the decline in estrogen production.
Keeping Bones Strong
Since osteoporosis and gum disease both break down the jaw bone, researchers believe the two illnesses are related. No matter what condition is weakening your jaw bones, Dr. Bender recommends these tactics to keep your bones strong and prevent tooth loss:
Maintain a healthy diet. Calcium is an essential nutrient to keep teeth and bones strong. Additionally, vitamin D helps prevent infections (including gum infections) and helps the body absorb calcium. When you don’t consume enough calcium, your body will leech the mineral from your teeth and bones, which causes thinning and weakening.
Practice healthy behaviors. The natural aging process limits mobility and function, but if you have osteoporosis, you should be extra careful not to hurt your bones. For example, exercising helps strengthen your body, but make sure you are wearing a mouth guard and proper protective gear to avoid injuries.
Visit Dr. Bender. Your Atlanta dentist can take X-rays of your mouth to examine your bone structure and density. He can also check for signs of periodontal disease to treat the condition in its early stages. Furthermore, Dr. Bender can restore missing teeth with comfortable dentures or sturdy dental implants. However, a healthy jaw bone is helpful in implant placement, and bone loss can occur in the bony ridges that support dentures. Studies show that people with osteoporosis need denture adjustments more often.
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