Keep Your Bones Strong with a Premiere Murrieta Dentist

If you are over the age of 50 and female, your family dentist might be able to see the onset of osteoporosis and encourage you to seek out the services of a physician before the disease progresses. The term osteoporosis means “porous bone,” and according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), 9 million Americans have the disease.

Osteoporosis is a very common but serious disorder.

According to the NOF:

• 1 out of every 2 women and 1 out of every 4 men over the age of 50 will suffer a broken bone from osteoporosis.
• Almost 60 percent of adults over the age of 50 have a relatively high probability of breaking a bone.
• 48 million people do not have osteoporosis but do have low bone density, so a consistent oral hygiene routine is necessary in order to prevent tooth loss.

Your Murrieta Dentist Can Detect Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is not an easy disease to diagnose, and many people are unaware they have it until they actually break a bone. Fortunately, there are symptoms and your family dentist might be able to notice them based on the condition of your teeth and bone density that holds your teeth.

Early signs of osteoporosis include tooth loss and periodontal disease. Regular dental examinations and x-rays, coupled with your medical history can provide your family dentist with the necessary information to pinpoint osteoporosis before your bone density decreases enough for a fracture to occur.

If you live in or near Murrieta and need a family dentist or are seeking an alternative to your current dental provider, consult Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS. He is proud that after 20 years of working at his craft, 20 percent of his patients are seniors and families who refer their friends, too.

Also a highly sought after cosmetic dentist that lectures all over the nation, Dr. Hauser strives to put his patients at ease in his chair and would welcome the opportunity to serve your family’s dental needs. Just contact Lakefront Family Dentistry and ask for one of our Patient Coordinators, Jodi or Carla, at (951) 244-9495. You Can Also Request an Appointment Online Today!

Women Have a Higher Probability Of Contracting Osteoporosis Than Men

By the time a person reaches the age of 30, the body no longer develops more bone. As we enter our later years, the bone structure becomes weaker. With osteoporosis, the bones actually develop holes that can be seen plainly under a microscope or through an x-ray.

Women naturally are more susceptible to the disease than men because they start their life cycle with a lower bone density and also lose this density more swiftly. In fact, a woman’s hip-bone density decreases by 1/3 from age 20 to age 80, while a man’s only diminishes by 1/4. 68 percent of the 44 million people with osteoporosis are female.

Another reason why women are more prone to osteoporosis is the estrogen cycle. As they age, and especially after menopause, their estrogen levels decrease. Many scientists believe that the loss of this hormone is one of the main causes of weaker bones in women.

Here are several clues that could tip your family dentist off that you have osteoporosis.

• The loss of bone in your jaw could signify bone loss in other areas of your body.
• Research shows that women with low bone density lose more teeth.
• Studies demonstrate that women who have gone through menopause and have osteoporosis will require new dentures three times more frequently than women in the same age group without osteoporosis. In extreme cases, the bone loss is so severe that an effective set of dentures cannot be created, which could make it difficult for the person to eat and speak properly.

Your Dentist Can Get You on the Path of Osteoporosis Treatment

Your family dentist will suggest you see a physician for a full examination. He will also teach you how to adjust your oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

This can help stop the tooth loss you are experiencing. Your family dentist also can help you fight osteoporosis by suggesting the following:

• Taking a calcium supplement
• Incorporating Vitamin D into your diet
• Beginning an exercise program
• Quitting smoking
• Monitoring how much alcohol and caffeine you ingest

If you notice any early warning signs of osteoporosis or want to prevent the onset of the disease, contact your primary care for a physician and see your family dentist, Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS. This Murrieta family dentist has 20 years of professional experience and a decade of proficiency as a CEREC dentist.

His skill set and dedication to his patients’ needs will be sure to satisfy whatever you may require. Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!