Complication: Osteoporosis

Symptoms

There are often no symptoms with osteoporosis. The few symptoms you can experience include back pain, stooped posture, loss of height, tooth loss, bone fracture.

Osteoporosis is a relatively common condition, especially in women. Meaning “porous bone,” osteoporosis is characterized by a loss of bone density and the inability to regenerate bone. Because of this, those with osteoporosis are at an increased risk for fractures, height loss, and even tooth loss. Women are more prone to osteoporosis due to the decrease in estrogen during menopause.

Because osteoporosis can cause bone loss, it can affect the jaw bone as well. And, if the jaw bone is not stable, the teeth no longer have a stable anchor; this results in tooth loss and mobility. It can also affect your bite, alignment, and fit of dentures. Osteoporosis can even contribute to gum disease.

If you have osteoporosis and wear dentures, it is essential to have regular visits with your dentist so he can see how your dentures are fitting. Studies have shown that those with osteoporosis experience a greater shift in the fit of their dentures than those without osteoporosis. And, since poorly fitting dentures can result in other oral complications, such as mouth sores, bacterial infection, soreness, and swollen gums, it is in your best interest to ensure your dentures fit properly.

Whether you have osteoporosis or want to prevent it, here are some tips for good bone health:

• See your dentist every six months for regular checkups
• See your doctor annually for regular checkups
• Take your medication regularly
• Eat a balanced diet (especially foods that contain calcium and vitamin D)
• Exercise (the best are weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging, running, dancing, or weight lifting)
• Don’t smoke/quit smoking