Dentist co-operation needed in osteo fight

zoom

Experts want co-operation between dentists and physicians in the detection of osteoporosis.

Experts have called for closer ties between physicians and dentists in a bid to improve the successful detection and treatment of osteoporosis in patients.

In a paper that examined the impact of osteoporosis on public health, American researchers said improved collaboration between health providers is needed to minimise the impact of treatment on oral health.

Writing in the May edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association, the team said that osteoporosis and related fractures are more common than coronary disease, stroke and breast cancer. Mortality rates after hip or vertebral fractures are high, making the disease a leading public health problem.

Medical management of osteoporosis includes diet control, weight-bearing exercise, discontinuation of tobacco and alcohol intake, and use of medications; including selective oestrogen receptor modulators, calcitonin, anabolic agents and bisphosphonates, that have been associated with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

The exact cause of osteonecrosis is unknown, but more than 93% of cases reported are in patients receiving intravenous high-dose bisphosphonates.

Invasive dental procedures are thought to be a predisposing factor for the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Periodontitis, poor dental hygiene and oral trauma are also linked to the condition. Consequently, it is critical that dentists are informed of patients receiving bisphosphonates therapy.

"Dentists need to understand osteoporosis, its treatments and its complications," the authors wrote. "Oral health maintenance is important in patients with osteoporosis."

Print | Email | Discuss this article |

USER COMMENTS (0 COMMENTS)

POST A COMMENT

CLICK HERE TO POST A COMMENT

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Security Code *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.