Oral Health and Bone Disease

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Oral Health and Bone Disease

Introduction to Oral Health and Bone Disease

Osteoporosis and tooth loss are health concerns that affect many older men and women. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become less dense and more prone to fracture. This disease can affect any bone in the body, although the bones in the hip, spine, and wrist are most often affected. In the United States today, 10 million individuals already have osteoporosis and 34 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for this disease.

Research suggests that there is a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. The bone in the jaw supports and anchors our teeth. When the jaw bone becomes less dense, tooth loss can occur. Tooth loss affects approximately one-third of adults 65 years and older.



Next: How does skeletal bone density affect the teeth? » Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/oral_health_and_bone_disease/article.htm

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