Osteoporosis is a bone-related disease, which is characterized by lack of blood supply to the bones, which cause them to fail in regenerating. Thus, the bones die. Studies reveal that the treatment for osteoporosis has harmful effects on the jawbones, which are triggered when there's tooth loss through extraction, accident, or injury.



An osteoporosis patient's bones become less dense and become fragile. It can affect any bone in the body but the most affected are the hip, spine, and wrist bones. There are millions of Americans that have this disease and a few more millions have low bone mass, which makes them likely candidates for osteoporosis.

The jawbone supports the teeth. When this becomes less dense, tooth loss will happen. The weakening of the jawbone occurs when the biofilms or biophosphonates infect the jaw when it is exposed due to tooth loss. Biophosphonates are the medications used to treat osteoporosis and some cancers. The resulting jawbone condition is known as osteonecrosis. Since women are most likely to have osteoporosis, they too, have the greater potential to lose their teeth due to osteonecrosis.

Biophosphonates are sold under brand names like Fosamax, Boniva, or Actonel. These are medications for osteoporosis. A large number of cancer patients too, have developed the jawbone disease especially when they had tooth loss after their treatment with biophosphonates.

So, in order to prevent osteonecrosis from developing among patients of osteoporosis, they should cut the risks at the nip by consulting with their dentists regularly. Anyone who is regularly taking the drugs for osteoporosis should be proactive enough to approach their dentists for help on prevention. This could be done through a dental exam to check the condition of the bones and the teeth.

For patients who are yet to undergo treatment through the biophosphonates, they should go through any major dental surgery first. This will prevent the osteoporosis drugs from affecting the jawbone due to exposed bones caused by tooth loss. Patients should also maintain good oral hygiene and oral care by brushing and flossing regularly.

If the dentist suspects that you indeed have osteonecrosis, he will run some X-rays and tests to confirm the infection. Most likely the dentist will prescribe antibiotics and some oral rinses. There may also be some dental devices or appliances that will be installed in order to clear the mouth off any damaged tissues.

To maintain happy, healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis, everyone should eat well-balanced diets that have calcium and Vitamin D to support the bones. It is also important to maintain a healthy way of life ? no smoking or drinking of too much alcohol. Everything you eat, drink, or do as you enjoy your life, should always be in moderation.

It will also contribute to overall health to do regular physical activities or exercises. Cardiovascular activities like swimming, jogging, walking, or dancing can go along way in promoting good, healthy bones.

The other best thing to do is to not ignore dental health. It is important to visit the dentist regularly to prevent any loss of teeth due to carelessness or lack of prioritization on dental hygiene.