Osteoporosis weakens bones, including the jawbone, which supports teeth. (Image: Getty )
Health professionals have issued a warning that an early indicator of a chronic ‘silent’ disease could be linked to your gums. The NHS suggests that receding gums could be a revealing sign of osteoporosis, a skeletal disorder that often progresses without any noticeable symptoms until a bone fracture occurs.
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones, marked by a decrease in bone mineral density and mass, as well as alterations in the structure and strength of the bone. This deterioration can render bones more prone to fractures.
Over three million people in the UK are affected by osteoporosis, according to NHS figures. Often dubbed a ‘silent’ disease, osteoporosis typically doesn’t exhibit any symptoms, meaning individuals may not realise they have the condition until they suffer a fracture. It is a primary cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and older men.
While fractures can happen in any bone, they most frequently occur in the hip, spinal vertebrae, and wrist, reports Gloucestershire Live. Osteoporosis can impact individuals of all genders, races, and ethnicities. Although it can develop at any age, the risk of developing this condition increases with age.
For many women, the onset of osteoporosis often commences a year or two prior to menopause. Despite osteoporosis being more commonly diagnosed in women, many men mistakenly think they are immune to the disease. In truth, both older men and women from various backgrounds are at risk of developing osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones (Image: Getty)
In rare instances, children and adolescents may develop a condition known as idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis, the exact cause of which is still unknown. Fortunately, most children can recover from this condition without requiring treatment.
Osteoporosis symptoms
Osteoporosis is often described as a “silent disease” because it typically doesn’t exhibit any symptoms until a vertebral fracture occurs. When this happens, it can cause severe back pain, a loss of height, or changes in the spine’s shape, leading to a stooped or hunched posture known as kyphosis.
Bones weakened by osteoporosis can become so fragile that they may fracture unexpectedly or result from minor falls, such as a fall from a standing height that would not usually cause a break in a healthy bone. Even everyday activities like bending, lifting, or coughing can lead to fractures in these brittle bones.
Although osteoporosis often doesn’t display noticeable symptoms in its early stages, some subtle indicators exist. These include receding gums, weakened grip strength, brittle fingernails, or slight changes in posture or height loss.
Receding gums and osteoporosis
As the jawbone loses density, the gums may begin to recede or weaken, causing teeth to appear longer or feel unstable. A compromised jawbone allows bacteria to invade and affect the bone, increasing the risk of periodontal disease.
Osteoporosis weakens bones, including the jawbone, which supports teeth. (Image: Getty)
Gum disease can lead to rapid bacterial invasion, receding gums, and loose or missing teeth. Dentists can identify early signs of osteoporosis through changes in oral health, such as receding gums or loose teeth.
Adhering to a routine of regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups is crucial to ward off gum disease. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, coupled with regular exercise—particularly weight-bearing activities—can boost bone health. If you observe any signs of gum recession, swelling, or bleeding, it’s vital to contact your dentist or periodontist.
The NHS says: “If your doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, they can work out your future risk of breaking a bone using an online programme, such as FRAX or Q-Fracture. They may also refer you for a bone density scan to measure your bone strength. It’s a short, painless procedure that takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the part of the body being scanned.”
What heightens your risk of osteoporosis
In women, a significant drop in estrogen levels during menopause can result in accelerated bone loss. Similarly, low testosterone levels in men can also contribute to bone deterioration. Having a family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures may increase your risk.
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A calcium and vitamin D deficiency, essential for maintaining bone health, can further escalate this risk. Regular weight-bearing exercises can help strengthen bones, while a lack of physical activity may lead to bone loss.
Smoking harms bone health and increases the probability of developing osteoporosis. Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with calcium absorption and damage bone health.
Certain health conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic kidney or liver diseases, can heighten the risk of osteoporosis. Long-term use of certain medications, like corticosteroids, can also negatively impact bone health.
Being naturally thin or having a smaller body frame may amplify your risk. People of Caucasian and Asian heritage are at a higher risk compared to other ethnicities.
How to avoid osteoporosis
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases suggests several measures to help prevent the disease and fractures:
- Staying physically active by participating in weight-bearing exercises such as walking.
- Drinking alcohol in moderation.
- Quitting smoking, or not starting if you don’t smoke.
- Taking your medications, if prescribed, can help prevent fractures in people who have osteoporosis.
- A nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D helps maintain good bone health.
For further information, the Royal Osteoporosis Society, the UK’s dedicated charity for osteoporosis, can be contacted on 0808 800 0035 from Monday to Friday, between 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5pm.
Osteoporosis: Royal Osteoporosis Society discusses disease
Foods for healthy bones
The NHS recommends adults consume 700mg of calcium daily. A varied and balanced diet should provide all the calcium you need. Good sources of calcium include:
- milk, cheese and other dairy foods
- green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and okra, but not spinach
- soya beans
- tofu
- plant-based drinks with added calcium
- nuts
- bread and anything made with fortified flour
- fish where you eat the bones, such as sardines and pilchards
Despite its high calcium content, spinach is not considered a good source of calcium due to its oxalate content, which hinders calcium absorption.
Adults also require 10 micrograms (400 International Units or IU) of vitamin D daily. It’s challenging to get all the vitamin D we need from our diet, with most of our vitamin D intake coming from sunlight exposure on our skin.
From late March or early April until the end of September, short daily periods of sun exposure without sunscreen can help your body produce vitamin D. However, during autumn and winter, when sunlight is insufficient for vitamin D production, everyone should consider taking a daily supplement.
Oily fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel, egg yolks, fortified foods, certain fat spreads and breakfast cereals are all excellent dietary sources of vitamin D.
