Confusion Over Osteoporosis Medication and the Affect on Oral Health

It has been estimated that over 10 million Americans have Osteoporosis; a condition that causes the thinning of the bone along with severe loss of bone density over time. Medications, specifically bisphosphonate are used to treat this often debilitating disease. Although these drugs effectively slow bone loss and possibly increase bone density reducing the risk of fracture, they have recently come under-fire as reports have suggested the use of medications containing bisphosphonates may cause individuals to develop "bisphosphonate-associated" osteonecrosis of the jaw. Considered to be a rare condition osteonecrosis of the jaw results in severe damage due to the temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the jaw bone possibly causing pain, numbness, exposed bone, tooth loss, and infection.

The American Dental Association and the National Osteoporosis Foundation have teamed-up to provide patients with a brochure titled "Osteoporosis Medications and Your Dental Health," that will be available from dental offices this month. The goal is to seperate fact from fiction by providing the brochure as a resource to patients that have become alarmed by the suggestion that their medication may be causing osteonecrosis of the jaw. In a press release Matthew Messina, D.D.S., ADA Consumer Advisor states that "Patients who take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis are encouraged to talk to their dentist so that their dentist can show them good oral hygiene practices as well as monitor their oral health," adding stress to the point that "Patients should not stop taking their osteoporosis medications without speaking with their physicians."