Hyperthyroidism and oral and dental health (+ care tips)

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Hyperthyroidism, a challenge for the whole body

Hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroidism is a relatively common thyroid disorder that causes excessive production of thyroid hormones. These hormones play a very important role in regulating metabolism and many body functions. Therefore, increasing their level negatively affects various body systems and causes health problems such as high blood pressure, anxiety, weight gain, etc. One of the things that is perhaps less noticed is the problems related to oral and dental health in patients with hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism damages oral and dental health in various ways and increases the possibility of periodontal diseases.

The relationship between hyperthyroidism and oral and dental health

Thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, are associated with a wide range of oral and dental health problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay. In most cases, these oral problems can be the first signs of thyroid disease. Just like diabetes, oral health problems are an early warning sign of thyroid disease. In the following, we will examine the relationship between hyperthyroidism and oral and dental health from different aspects.

Dry mouth (xerostomia):

Hyperthyroidism affects the function of salivary glands and reduces saliva production. More than half of people with thyroid disease suffer from this problem. Without enough saliva to wash away food and bacteria, the mouth becomes a breeding ground for gum disease and tooth decay. This situation increases the possibility of plaque accumulation and the rapid development of dental cavities.

Increased bleeding and infection:

Patients with hyperthyroidism experience increased inflammation and bleeding gums in many cases. Hyperthyroidism negatively affects the body's ability to heal wounds. Therefore, the body has difficulty in healing wounds and dealing with gingivitis (gum inflammation), which can turn into gum disease (periodontitis).

Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking:

Language enlargement (macroglossia) is common in thyroid patients, especially hyperthyroidism. This position makes swallowing and breathing more difficult and increases the risk of snoring, open mouth and dry mouth during sleep.

Burning Mouth Syndrome :(Burning Mouth Syndrome)

Patients with hyperthyroidism may experience burning, tingling, or numbness in the tongue, lips, roof of the mouth, or other areas of the mouth. This burning sensation can be continuous or intermittent.

Change in sense of taste:

In people with hyperthyroidism, the sense of taste changes somewhat, especially regarding salty and bitter tastes. Therefore, they may feel the flavors less or differently than before.

Tooth decay:

Hyperthyroidism generally leads to increased susceptibility to tooth decay. This issue happens due to changes in the composition of saliva or general metabolic changes in the body.

Thinning of tooth enamel:

In some cases, hyperthyroidism is associated with thinning tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the outer protective layer of the tooth, and its thinning makes the teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.

Oral ulcers:

This case is less common; But sometimes people with hyperthyroidism experience oral ulcers, which may also be slower to heal.

Effect of hyperthyroid drug on oral health:

Some drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism (such as methimazole or propylthiouracil) cause oral side effects. These side effects include changes in the sense of taste, dry mouth or, in rare cases, a decrease in white blood cells, which can increase the risk of oral infections.

Enlargement of thyroid tissue outside the main gland:

Sometimes thyroid tissue grows in places other than the original location of the gland (such as the tongue or neck). This issue can cause swelling or feeling of mass in the mouth or throat.

Faster teeth growth in children

In children with hyperthyroidism, permanent teeth may begin to erupt earlier than expected. This early growth has a negative effect on the alignment of the teeth and the development of the jaw.

Reduction of bone mass in the jaws:

Hyperthyroidism leads to bone mineral loss, which includes the jaw bones. Reduction of jaw bone density affects the stability of teeth and even the success of dental treatments such as implants. In orthodontic treatment, the possibility of loose teeth is much higher in hyperthyroid patients.

Increased anxiety or stress during dental procedures:

Patients with hyperthyroidism experience more stress and fear when visiting the dentist due to increased anxiety and heart palpitations. This situation can make it more difficult for them to have dental treatments or cause them to postpone their dental treatments, which also harms their oral health.

Controlling hyperthyroidism: the first step in oral health

Regulating the level of thyroid hormones is the most important thing you should do to maintain the health of your mouth and teeth. Regular visits to an endocrinologist, accurate medication intake and periodic tests to ensure hormonal balance are the foundation of protecting your mouth and teeth. Proper regulation of thyroid function along with proper oral care minimizes the risk of oral complications related to hyperthyroidism.

The main way to treat hyperthyroidism is to perform thyroid surgery by a surgeon who specializes in thyroid surgery. Dr. Seyed Ahmad Fanai specializes in thyroid surgery with the most up-to-date medical equipment to prevent thyroid surgery complications.

Dr. Ahmad Fanai is an active member of the American Thyroid Association and has a history of more than 5000 successful thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. You can make an appointment by filling out the online appointment form or by calling the numbers listed on the site.

Care tipsfor oral health in hyperthyroidism

As you have seen in the above sections, hyperthyroid patients are more vulnerable to oral problems; Therefore, these people should take into account some special considerations in addition to observing general oral and dental hygiene. In the following, we discuss general measures and specific care solutions to maintain oral and dental health in hyperthyroid patients:

Regular brushing, at least twice a day, for 2 minutes each time
Using toothpaste containing fluoride
Daily flossing, at least once a day
Using fluoride or antibacterial mouthwashes to further strengthen teeth and reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth
Quit smoking and other tobacco
Criminal examination and regular dentist examinations, every six months
Drink plenty of water to relieve dry mouth
Using sugar-free gums or sugar-free lollipops to stimulate saliva production
Using topical fluoride gels or fluoride varnishes
Get enough vitamin D from food sources or as a supplement
Reduce stress with relaxation techniques to improve overall health and help control hyperthyroidism
Following a balanced diet, consuming healthy and nutritious foods and reducing sugar and processed materials to support general and oral health.

Last word

In this article, we examined the effects of hyperthyroidism on oral and dental health and explained how hyperthyroidism can affect oral and dental health in different ways; From common problems such as dry mouth and tooth decay to lesser known complications such as the impact on jaw bone density. Therefore, patients with hyperthyroidism should pay attention to the control of this underlying disease and a series of special medical considerations in addition to observing general oral and dental hygiene. Regularly following the endocrinologist's treatment plan, along with a careful nutritional and care routine, is the most effective way to maintain oral and dental health in the best possible way.

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