Good Teeth: They Don't Have to Be in Your Genes

A lot of seniors suffer from a condition called osteoporosis. This condition affects the strength of the bones, and it can put a person at risk for a greater chance of breaking bones in the body. You might not realize, though, that osteoporosis can also affect a person's oral health. Here are several things to understand about osteoporosis and your oral health.

The definition of osteoporosis

Before you can understand the effects of osteoporosis on your oral health, you must understand what this condition is. Osteoporosis occurs when bones in the body do not receive enough calcium and Vitamin D. Over time, the deprivation of these important minerals cause the bones to lose density, and this leads to fragile, weak bones. When you have this condition, there are very few ways to treat it; however, you must visit a doctor regularly to have it checked and to find out if there is any way you can stop it from progressing or reverse the effects at all.

The effects this condition has on your oral health

When you suffer from osteoporosis, it can lead to extra risks for your oral health. The main effect osteoporosis has on your mouth is the way it leads to problems with the jaw. Because this condition weakens bones, it may cause weakness of the jawbone. If the jawbone loses density, it can lead to the loosening of your teeth, as your jaw is what is holding your teeth tightly in place.

The second effect this condition has is weakening of the teeth. Your teeth are not considered bones, but they can be affected by a deprivation of calcium. Therefore, if you have osteoporosis, it is likely that you may begin experiencing more problems with your teeth, including cavities. You might also have a higher chance that your gums will become infected, and this may lead to gum disease.

Steps you can take to reduce the risks

If you are concerned that your oral health condition will worsen as a result of osteoporosis, there are some steps you can take that may help you reduce the risks. One thing is to make sure you do everything your doctor says in terms of treating your osteoporosis. Secondly, you may want to increase your calcium and Vitamin D intake each day, as this will help keep your teeth and jawbone stronger. Finally, you should visit your dentist regularly to have your teeth cleaned and examined.

If you have questions about your oral health, the medications you take, or your health conditions, make sure you talk to your dentist about these things. Go to this website or to similar sites to learn more about dental services.