Dental
Caring for your mouth when
you have osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where you begin to lose bone.
Osteoporosis causes bone to become weak and brittle.
When that happens, bones break more easily. Because of
the loss of bone, osteoporosis can also make it easier for
someone to get gum disease.1 That’s why good oral health
habits are important for those with osteoporosis.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissue that holds your
teeth in place. It is caused by germs, called bacteria, that
cling to your teeth and along your gums and are part of a
sticky film called plaque.
The bacteria in the plaque can infect the gums. If the plaque isn’t removed each day with brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove and
can cause even more plaque to collect. Your dentist can tell you if you have gum disease and may
refer to it as “periodontal disease.”
Osteoporosis can affect your
teeth and gums
The bone loss that comes from osteoporosis can weaken the jaw bone, which can cause your teeth to become loose
and even fall out. When teeth are loose and do not fit
together properly, it’s easier for plaque to collect around the gums and harder to clean teeth. This makes someone
with osteoporosis more likely to have infections, including
gum disease.2 You should know:
• Osteoporosis causes
your bones to become
weak and brittle. They
can break easily.
• Osteoporosis may make
it easier for you to get
gum disease.
• Brush and floss daily and
see your dentist regularly.
Dental
Signs of gum disease
In the early stages, people often don’t notice when they have gum disease. There are few, if any, signs. Over time people begin to have:
• Red, swollen and tender gums
• Gums that bleed when brushing
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• A change in the way their teeth fit together
Gum disease should be treated by a dentist, who can remove the plaque and
tartar. If the gum disease is advanced, other treatments may be necessary, such as surgery. While a dentist can treat gum disease, it’s much better to prevent gum disease from starting.
What can be done at home to keep your
gums and teeth healthy?
• Brush with a soft toothbrush after eating
• Floss every day
• If you wear dentures, keep them clean
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year
• If you use tobacco, talk to your doctor about quitting. Smoking can make
gum disease worse
• If you do have osteoporosis, work with your doctor to get the right treatment
1
American Academy of Periodontology, Gums and Osteoporosis, http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.osteoporosis.htm, last modified: February 23, 2011.
2
Wactawski-Wende J., Periodontal diseases and osteoporosis: association and mechanisms, Ann Periodontol, December 6, 2001 (1): 197–208.
This policy has exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the
coverage, contact either your broker or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. UnitedHealthcare dental coverage underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Insurance
Company, located in Hartford, Connecticut, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, located in Islandia, New York, or their affiliates. Administrative
services provided by Dental Benefit Providers, Inc., Dental Benefit Administrative Services (CA only), DBP Services (NY only), United HealthCare Services, Inc.
or their affiliates. Plans sold in Texas use policy form number DPOL.06.TX and associated COC form number DCOC.CER.06. Plans sold in Virginia use policy
form number DPOL.06.VA and associated COC form number DCOC.CER.06.VA. Benefits for the UnitedHealthcare dental DHMO plans are provided by or
through the following UnitedHealth Group companies: Nevada Pacific Dental, National Pacific Dental, Inc. and Dental Benefit Providers of Illinois, Inc. Plans
sold in Texas use contract form number DHMO.CNT.11.TX and associated EOC form number DHMO.EOC.11.TX. The New York Select Managed Care Plan
is underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York located in Islandia, New York. Administrative services provided by DBP Services. The
Select DHMO plan is underwritten by Dominion Dental Services, Inc. Dominion is licensed as a Limited Health Care Services HMO in Virginia, Pennsylvania
and a Dental Plan Organization in Maryland and Delaware.
Benefits for UnitedHealthcare Dental DHMO/Direct Compensation plans are offered by Dental Benefit Providers of California, Inc.
UnitedHealthcare Dental is affiliated with UnitedHealthcare.
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