People with an overactive or underactive thyroid are more likely to suffer from oral diseases. Thyroid disease can cause toothache and deterioration, and can lead to tooth loss. What oral symptoms suggest thyroid problems? This question is answered by the drug. stom. Romana Markiewicz from the Dentim Clinic Implantology and Orthodontics Center in Katowice.
The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the human body. Its proper operation regulates the work of many organs, influencing, inter alia, on metabolism and calcium-phosphorus metabolism. Therefore, when the work of the gland is disturbed, the entire body is disrupted. The oral cavity also experiences the effects of an excess or insufficient production of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine, thyroxine and calcitonin. - Depending on whether we are dealing with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, we can observe the entire spectrum of changes in the oral cavity. Disorders in the hormonal balance can be manifested, for example, by gingivitis, dry mouth syndrome, and even tooth loss. Patients from this group are also more exposed to bacterial infections, and thus the dynamic development of caries, says the drug. stom. Romana Markiewicz from the Dentim Clinic Implantology and Orthodontics Center in Katowice.
Hyperthyroidism and oral problems
One of the most common ailments among people with thyroid disorders is periodontal disease. They mainly affect people with hyperthyroidism, i.e. an excessive production of hormones. Disrupted defensive functions of the body of an overactive person make bacteria grow faster in the oral cavity, and thus - tartar. This irritates the soft tissues, causing the development of gingivitis.
- The condition begins with bleeding gums when eating and brushing, as well as swelling and redness, and sudden pain in reaction to cold or warm drinks. If left untreated, it leads to a gum recession, i.e. the exposure of the necks of the teeth. This can result in hypersensitivity, loosening and loss of teeth - says Dr. Markiewicz. The solution in this case is to perform hygiene procedures in the office, as well as more careful hygiene.
According to an expertbow. stom. Romana Markiewicz, CenterImplantology and Orthodontics Dentim Clinic in Katowice- If we are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, we should more often undergo tartar removal, i.e. scaling. In this way, we will get rid of the pathogenic stone. Hygiene is also of key importance, the basic element of which should be toothpastes rich in fluorine, which remineralise micro-cavities. In the composition of such pastes, we most often find sodium monofluorophosphate, amine fluoride or sodium fluoride. Specialist toothpastes for sensitive teeth, such as strontium chloride, potassium chloride or potassium nitrate, can also be helpful. These compounds inhibit violent pain reactions to hot and cold drinks.
But not only periodontal diseases coexist with hyperthyroidism. In people with excess hormone production, bone resorption, i.e. bone loss, may occur. Most often it is the result of coexisting osteoporosis, which also affects the jaw and mandible bones. - An overactive thyroid gland causes the body to get rid of calcium and phosphorus, as a result of which bones lose their density. They become more brittle and prone to damage. In the case of the jaw bones, we may be dealing with their atrophy. This leads to the loosening of the teeth and their falling out - explains the expert at Dentim Clinic.
The key aspect in this case is the therapy of primary diseases, i.e. thyroid disorders and osteoporosis. However, a dentist can help us in the event of damage caused by diseases. - In people with bone loss, it is possible to reconstruct it, e.g. before implant surgery, when we rebuild the defects - says Dr. Markiewicz. Dentists also recommend oral hygiene with preparations rich in fluorine and calcium, as well as supplementation with vitamin D and K.
Hypothyroidism and oral problems
Oral ailments also occur in people with hypothyroidism. One of the more common problems is enlargement of the tongue, or macroglosion. Its cause is the accumulation of compounds that cause water retention in the tissues of the tongue. People with hypothyroidism are also more likely to develop Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). It is a chronic condition with pain such as burning, stinging, or stinging of the tongue, lips or the entire mouth. It is accompanied by a feeling of dryness, taste disturbances and even itching. In extreme cases, BMS can cause dysphagia, i.e. problems with swallowing. The condition may also be accompanied by a bitter or metallic taste. Interestingly, BMS does not cause changes in soft tissues.
- BMS in people with hypothyroidism is a secondary disorder.This means that its therapy should primarily include the treatment of hypothyroidism, as well as the exclusion of other causes, e.g. psychogenic, gastrological, neurological or allergic. However, in order to reduce the symptoms, relieving treatments can be introduced, says the Dentim Clinic expert.
This includes the most common intake of fat B vitamins (B1, B2, B6 and B12), as well as the use of special rinses and soothing gels that coat the mucosa and increase salivation. Herbal rinses, e.g. from linseed, mallow flower or chamomile, can also be helpful. It is also necessary to change the diet and eliminate ingredients that aggravate the ailment, e.g. alcohol, spicy spices and citrus. In the case of exacerbation of symptoms, it is also recommended to use local anesthetics, e.g. benzydamine.
According to an expertbow. stom. Romana Markiewicz, Dentim Clinic Implantology and Orthodontics Center in KatowiceThe dentist will direct you to … an endocrinologist
Problems with the thyroid gland today concern up to 30 percent. Poles, over a million of whom do not know that they are ill. As much as 73 percent. Poles have never been tested for thyroid diseases. - A dentist is becoming a general practitioner more and more often, who may notice disturbing symptoms indicating a different primary disease, e.g. diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease or thyroid disease. In this respect, a regular visit to the dentist also serves as a timely screening when recognizing a serious ailment.
As with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism is more likely to develop periodontal diseases, especiallymarginal gingivitis . Any change in your hormone balance can have an impact on gum he alth. In the case of hypothyroidism, we most often deal with swelling and edema, which, if left untreated, may result in the development of periodontitis and tooth loss. The ailments increase especially in women who have additionally low estrogen levels - says Dr. Markiewicz.
Hypothyroidism can also lead to the development of the TMJ syndrome, that isTMJ syndrome . Reason? Improper hormonal balance causes disorders in the work of muscles and joints. - The disease most often manifests itself as a migraine headache which radiates into the ears. It is often accompanied by a feeling of pressure behind the eyes. The symptoms worsen when yawning and eating. Then you can also hear the characteristic "jumping" of the joints. People with TMJ also complain of frequent pains in the jaw. On the other hand, a dental symptom is a change in the arrangement of the upper and lower teeth, causing the development of another disease- occlusive disease. Bruxism, i.e. grinding and clenching of teeth, is also common among TMJ patients - says Dr. Markiewicz.
Treatment in this case, in addition to the therapy of the primary disease, involves prosthetic and orthodontic treatment, the purpose of which is to reduce muscle tension and set the teeth in the correct position. For people grinding their teeth, it is necessary to wear a special guard rail. In some cases, it is also recommended to use anti-inflammatory drugs, relaxants and painkillers. In extreme cases, surgery is necessary.