How Osteoporosis Medications Can Affect Oral Health and Hygiene

Recently, my mother, who is in her 70s, fell and broke her hip. Although the experience in our over-burdened emergency department was very challenging to say the least, she received excellent care in the hospital and is now home recovering from her injuries. 

Osteoporosis is a quite common condition, especially in older women, the “brittle-bone” disease. For elderly people, a bone fracture can be a very serious, life-altering event. One of the types of medications that doctors recommend for treating osteoporosis is called bisphosphonates, such as the drug Actonel. These drugs work by altering the balance of physiological bone remodelling. Bone is in a constant state of formation and removal. This is achieved by two main types of bone cells: osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells). Actonel tilts the balance towards more bone formation, resulting in stronger, denser bones which are less likely to fracture.

The main way these medications can affect your oral health is if you need a tooth extracted and you are taking these medications. When a tooth is removed, the bone in your jaw, just like any other bone in your body, goes into a very active healing – bone remodelling process. In patients taking bisphosphonate medications, this can lead to dead bone or osteonecrosis. In the jaws, this is a debilitating and sometimes painful condition where exposed dead bone is present and not covered by normal gum tissue. Patients taking bisphosphonates should ensure they have excellent home oral hygiene, are seen regularly for cleanings and check-ups and most importantly, avoid needing to have teeth removed. If a patient who is taking Actonel does need to have a tooth removed, they should have an in-depth conversation about it with their dentist. 

It is important to appreciate that dentists are the doctors of your mouth. They are highly trained and skilled in understanding the nuances of how even a fall and broken hip can affect your oral health. We are always striving to provide excellent dental care and understand how oral health is simply a branch of a patient’s overall health.