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How Your Thyroid and Oral Health Are Connected

Posted on 3/30/2020 by Office

Many people are not aware of the organ known as the thyroid or its role in the body. The thyroid is a seldom known organ that sits in the neck and functions to control and regulate metabolism. The thyroid can either be overactive or underactive. In all these cases the effects are devastating to the individual.

Thyroid disease may be caused by infections, autoimmunity, or sometimes caused by medical procedures. The thyroid plays an important role in the maintenance and integrity of the oral cavity and the oral mucosa. Certain thyroid conditions may present with xerostomia, which is also known as dry mouth. The effects of dry mouth go far beyond discomfort, as a dry mouth is a source of sore throat and all kinds of infections.

Effects of Hypothyroidism

For children with hypothyroidism, tooth eruption may take longer than expected. The resulting teeth may be molars or even incisors with irregular growth of the remaining teeth. Children with hypothyroidism tend to retain their milk teeth longer than expected.

Another common sign of thyroid disease is the TMJ joint disease. This is a disease that affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects the two jaws. In TMJ joint disease, there is pain and discomfort when opening the mouth with periodic painful spasms. If you have TMJ pain, you should consider having your thyroid checked.

There is an increased risk of cavities and gum disease when the thyroid is underworking. While the mechanisms are not clear, many individuals with hypothyroidism tend to have recurrent dental cavities.

Effects of Hyperthyroidism

Constant tooth decay can be the first signal of an overactive thyroid. This can be because of the higher metabolism levels. Another common symptom is a rapid eruption of teeth in children that is not appropriate for age.

Regardless of what thyroid condition you have, always consider consulting with our dentists before seeking any medical procedures.

It is also highly recommended that you step up your dental visits to avoid some of the devastating effects of an overactive or underactive functioning thyroid. Call Reich Dental Center at 770-435-5450 and find out what we can do to help you with a thyroid problem.

Reich Dental Center

Robin Reich, DDS | Stacey Wingad, DMD | Megan Reich Rihan, DMD
Andrea Vita, DMD

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678-534-1010

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