Your experienced TMJ dentist, Dr. Aziza Askari and our team at Comfort Dental Spa would like to raise awareness for the most common bone disease in the United States—osteoporosis. Every May, the medical community campaigns to raise public awareness for osteoporosis. Dr. Askari and our team answer frequently asked questions about this common bone disease and offer information on how it can impact your oral health.

How does osteoporosis impact a person’s general health?

Osteoporosis involves the thinning of bone. Patients with osteoporosis are often unable to generate new bone structure or their bodies may absorb the minerals that make bones strong. Osteoporosis causes the bones to become brittle and fragile. Many patients may fracture their hips, spine, or wrists as a result of osteoporosis.

What causes osteoporosis?

The leading cause of osteoporosis is a decrease in hormone production. For women, lower production of estrogen during and after menopause greatly increases the risks for developing osteoporosis. Men over 70 experience a drop in testosterone which contributes to bone loss, too. However, other factors may contribute to osteoporosis such as sedentary lifestyles, family medical history, and calcium deficiencies.

What types of lifestyle choices increase the risk for developing osteoporosis?

Drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking cigarettes contribute to bone loss. We recommend that patients eat healthy, balanced diets with plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Patients should also live an active lifestyle with regular cardiovascular and strength training exercise.

Can osteoporosis affect oral health too?

Although osteoporosis commonly affects the spine, hips, knees, and elbows, it can affect any bone in the body including the facial bones. Because your jawbone supports your teeth, bone loss could change the way your teeth fit together and strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). At routine oral examinations, Dr. Askari will determine the health and density of your jawbone with state of the art diagnostic technology.

Our Farmington Hills dentist office offers comprehensive diagnosis of TMJ disorders. We provide non-invasive and comfortable TMJ disorder treatments to help relieve discomfort and pain. To schedule a TMJ consultation, contact Comfort Dental Spa at (248) 474-6434. We serve patients throughout the Midwest including the Chicago and Detroit areas.

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