What is Dental Health?
Dental health is also known as Oral health. These two terms are synonymous. It is a very important issue for individuals with thyroid disorders. Dental health is the care of the mouth and teeth, including the gums and tongue. Children’s dental health starts early.
It is always recommended to take care of your mouth and teeth especially in your early years, as that reduces the risk of developing cavities, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental issues.
For individuals with thyroid disorders, it is essential to maintain good dental health to prevent inflammation in the body and manage a healthy thyroid condition. There is a need to be aware of dental treatments such as heavy metals on amalgams as this can risk their thyroid health.
How Does Dental Health affect your general Well-being?
Dental health is a vital part of your general well-being. It is related to your entire body’s health. Bacteria in your mouth can be carried through the bloodstream to other body organs. Poor oral hygiene results in gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal diseases.
What is the Relationship between Dental Health and Thyroid?
The relationship between your dental health and your thyroid is best described as a two-way street. Your dental health can affect your thyroid, and the thyroid can also affect your dental health.
Research shows that common dental health can significantly influence the development of Hashimoto’s and Grave’s diseases, which are autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Bacteria in the oral cavity can affect gut conditions and trigger autoimmune diseases. Also, materials used in dental treatments, including fillings, inlays, and dental implants, can trigger autoimmune disorders. This reaction usually reflects the incompatibility of the specific dental treatment with the individual’s biochemical makeup.
Individuals with thyroid disease are more prone to inflammation and infections, especially patients with hypothyroidism. They usually experience infections and slow healing from dental treatments. Also, thyroid disorder patients are at a higher risk of developing periodontal diseases.
How does Dental Work Impact Thyroid Health?
Dental works contribute to health problems. Studies have revealed the direct effects of dental work on the thyroid. However, there are still controversies about the appropriate dental treatment for individuals with thyroid diseases. Let us consider the following.
Depending on the dental issue, an individual can receive various dental works/treatments. These include dental fillings, crowns, root canals, extraction, braces, bonding, veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, and dental cosmetics procedures, among many others.
Dental filling
It is the most common dental procedure for sore and sensitive teeth. It involves filling the cavity on the top of the teeth with a white composite substance or silver metal called amalgam. It seals the hole and prevents the cavity from further expansion.
Research shows that the body can absorb the mercury-filled amalgam used in dental filling procedures through ingestion or inhalation. The thyroid receives the mercury that was originally in the tooth. It blocks some of the iodine receptors in the thyroid, resulting in reduced thyroid hormone production.
The blockage of iodine receptors in the thyroid leads to hypothyroidism. Studies revealed a significant improvement in the management of some patients with Hashimoto’s disease after they removed their dental amalgam fillings. Tests show a reduction in thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
Also, note that mercury is bio-accumulative: though mercury has been removed from the tooth, part of it accumulates in the body tissues, organs, and fluids.
Research about Dental Health
However, the USA FDA, American Institute of health, and the National Health Institutes still maintain that mercury fillings are safe. The associations state that mercury is combined with the other substances in the amalgam filling, making it completely safe. However, WHO lists mercury as one of the top ten chemicals of primary public health concern and states that even a little exposure can cause health problems.
We should also note the mercury used in dental fillings is elemental mercury. And it is not the same as the mercury and methylmercury found in fish. Fish mercury is risky for thyroid disorders patients.
Should thyroid guards shields be used during dental x-rays?
Some symptoms experienced from mercury poisoning from dental fillings include long-term nerve damage, which results in numbness, memory impairment, numbness, paralysis, and damaged motor skills, among others.
Mercury poisoning also threatens your reproductive health as it can cause decreased fertility, low sperm count, deformity of the fetus, and decreased survival rate. Those with any thyroid condition should keep their dental health and thyroid health taken care of.
Root canals
Another regular dental work is root canals. It is a procedure for tooth decay embedded in the root of the tooth, which infects the tooth’s nerve. This procedure involves drilling the middle part of the tooth to gain access inside the root. The inside of the root and the pulp are adequately cleaned and replaced with a permanent filling.
However, some controversial questions arise from this procedure; an important one is “is it possible to sterilize the root canals permanently?” As discussed earlier, bacteria from the oral cavity, including the teeth, can travel to other body parts and cause blockage and infections.
A connection can be found between the root canals and the thyroid. Suppose the root canals are not adequately cleaned and sterilized. In that case, the bacteria could travel to the thyroid and trigger autoimmune diseases like Graves’ and Hashimoto’s, thereby leading to hypothyroidism. There are reports of improvement in the health conditions of people that have their root canals removed.
It is important to note that this connection is possible and under verification by the FDA. If you have thyroid disorders, it is best to engage your dentist with these concerns before you get a root canal treatment.
Can Thyroid Conditions Affect the Oral Cavity?
The thyroid blood levels in the body are significant in maintaining the metabolic rate and the body’s general functioning, which is not exclusive to your dental health. An imbalance in the thyroid hormones can hurt your dental/oral health.
Thyroid disorders can be linked to dental conditions affecting the tongue, teeth, and gums. Patients with thyroid disorders usually experience swollen tongues, gum diseases, tooth infections, and mouth sores.
Hyperthyroidism patients experience oral ailments such as accelerated tooth eruption, increased susceptibility to cavities and periodontal diseases, burning mouth syndrome, and jaw osteoporosis.
Hypothyroidism patients present delayed wound healing. Salivary gland enlargement, enlarged tongue (macroglossia), delayed tooth eruption, thick lips, and dysgeusia.
Tongue problems
A scalloped tongue usually indicates various health conditions, including low thyroid hormone levels. Research shows that the under activity of the thyroid gland causes the gland to shrink and change shape, which results in the scalloped tongue.
Because the thyroid gland is directly connected to the digestive system, individuals with scalloped tongues usually experience difficulty swallowing, chewing food, and even talking.
Hypothyroidism is a significant cause of tongue enlargement (macroglossia) in children, especially those with Hashimoto’s disease. It results in speech difficulties, drooling, eating, chewing, and swallowing problems. They also experience sleep difficulties, snoring, and high-pitched breathing.
Taste disorder (dysgeusia) is a common symptom of primary hypothyroidism. It can also lead to anorexia and loss of appetite, which is usually observed in hypothyroidism patients.
Tooth infections
Individuals with hypothyroidism usually suffer from tooth infections which result from dental cavities, gum diseases, tooth sensitivity, and decaying teeth. Because of low levels of thyroid hormones, their bodies cannot fight off the infection and experience a slow healing process.
Gum diseases
Patients with thyroid disorders are at a higher risk of developing gum diseases. Usually, hypothyroidism patients suffer from excessive bleeding in the gums, which increases the exposure to infections and conditions such as periodontitis, gingivitis, gum inflammation, and in extreme cases, bad breath and clot formation in the bloodstream.
Jaw osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that results in the bones’ fragility, thereby increasing the risk of fracture. Numerous variables, such as inadequate nutrition, hyperthyroidism, and other underlying medical disorders, contribute to that development.
Jaw osteoporosis is an indication of hypothyroidism. One of the complications of hyperthyroidism is a rapid increase in bone loss due to elevated blood levels of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play a function in bone replacement rate. For patients with hyperthyroidism, the rate at which osteoblasts replace the bone cannot match that of bone loss. Over time this results in osteoporosis.
Delayed tooth eruption
Delayed tooth eruption is caused by various factors, mainly centering on the diet and nutrition of the child. The deficiency of significant nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D, causes delayed root eruption. However, it is a very substantial indication of hypothyroidism.
Burning mouth syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is commonly called BMS. It is a burning sensation on the tongue, lips, and sometimes the entire mouth. However, there is no definite medical cause for this syndrome. It is associated with some individuals with thyroid disorders, especially women in their menopause.
The rate of BMS is higher in patients with hyperthyroidism than in patients with hypothyroidism. Studies show that treatment for thyroid diseases shows significant improvement in the syndrome.
Dry mouth
A dry mouth is a common symptom expressed in patients with thyroid disorders. A dry mouth is the result of decreased salivary gland output. It can occasionally be a side effect of thyroid disorders such Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune condition.
This symptom is seen more in hyperthyroidism patients than in hypothyroidism patients. There is a high risk of tooth decay for individuals with dry mouth.
Delayed wound healing
Thyroid hormone imbalance affects various body functions, including the healing process and the body’s immunity to diseases and infections.
How do Thyroid Medications affect your Dental Health?
Thyroid medications for patients differ by the thyroid disease with the consideration of other health conditions of the patient.
Antithyroid medicines are frequently provided to people with hyperthyroidism. They are not a permanent solution to the disease but rather help to manage the symptoms.
Once the symptoms are stopped, there is a high chance of the symptoms relapsing.
The antithyroid medications include:
Methimazole is the most prescribed antithyroid medication. It has fewer side effects, and withdrawal of the symptoms is rapidly expressed. It blocks the iodine receptors in the thyroid and prevents the use of iodine to produce thyroid hormones.
PTU has a double function. It blocks the use of iodine for thyroid hormone production. It also inhibits the conversion of T4 hormone to T3 hormone, the active form of thyroid hormone.
PTU is rapidly absorbed and metabolized by the body. Although it has more effects than methimazole, it is usually prescribed to pregnant women in the early stages, cases of serious thyroid storm, and severe reactions to methimazole.
Side effects of medication
Antithyroid medications’ side effects are rash, drowsiness, upset stomach, fever, and sore throat. Antithyroid drugs’ effects on oral health are swollen salivary glands, bitter aftertaste, infections, loss of taste (dysgeusia), sore throat, and mouth sores.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed to hyperthyroidism patients. These drugs do not inhibit the production of thyroid hormones like methimazole and propylthiouracil. Still, they control the symptoms expressed by hyperthyroidism until other treatments take effect. They are also prescribed when the patients are intolerant to antithyroid medications.
Hypothyroidism patients are prescribed synthetic and natural thyroid medications manufactured in the laboratory. Synthetic thyroid medicines are made from levothyroxine sodium and contain T3 and T4 hormones. Prescription differs by age, gender, and body weight.
Some side effects on oral health include swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue, difficulties in breathing and swallowing, and pains in the lips, throat, and tongue.
Generally, thyroid patients have higher exposure to oral infections due to the delayed healing process. PTU has an anti-vitamin K effect which promotes excessive bleeding, especially in the gums. In rare conditions, methimazole can increase the risk of oral infections and even prevent fast healing activity.
Furthermore, Hyperthyroidism patients have high anxiety and stress disorders. They can be triggered during rigorous dental appointments leading to thyroid storms.
Who is a Biological Dentist?
A biological dentist is a dentist who understands the interconnection between the entire body and oral health. They offer treatment for the natural health of your mouth with consideration to other parts of your body.
Biological dentists are also known as alternative dentists because they offer preventive and conservative treatment methods.
What is the importance of being treated by a biological dentist?
It is always recommended to consult a biological dentist for patients with thyroid disease. This might confuse some people as they wonder, “Who is a biological dentist?”
A biological dentist is a dentist that understands the effect of dental health on the general well-being of the body and the relationship between dental health and other body organs.
Thereby making the right decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. A biological dentist is suitable for patients with underlying health conditions like thyroid disorders.
Let us consider the importance of a biological dentist.
Biological dentists are alternative dentists. They have a deep understanding of the relationship between your dental health and the other organs of the body. Therefore, they provide an alternative and safe practice for improving your dental health and the entire well-being of the body.
There are some principles of biological dentistry that favor the health of thyroid disease patients, which are:
Mercury fillings are not recommended by biological dentists. There is no safe amount of mercury for humans, according to the WHO.
Biological dentists are against public water fluoridation. Contrary to most beliefs, the fluoride used in water fluoridation is industrial, which can cause long-term adverse effects on the body. However, the fluoride recommended for the prevention of teeth staining, and cavities are natural fluoride.
Biological dentist is necessary
Biological dentists promote biocompatibility testing. Individuals differ in biochemical makeup and immunological responses. The same treatment can produce varying reactions from different people, which could be both advantageous and disadvantageous. The difference in individual biochemical makeup is why biological dentists insist that there should be biocompatibility testing, including immunological testing and biochemical individuality, so that patients can receive optimal treatment.
Also, biological dentists are conscious of the infections that can arise from improperly closed cavities. Some dental procedures involving root canals and wisdom teeth removal are not adequately done, resulting in the accumulation of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These develop into infections that affect not only oral health but also other parts of the body.
However, a consultation with a biological dentist is not enough. You need to be religious with your appointments and checkups. The biological dentist needs to monitor your treatment response and suggest more options for optimal dental care.
Should thyroid guards be used during dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays are diagnostic tools used in dental care. It enables dentists to make well-informed diagnoses and decisions about a patient’s dental health.
There are two major types of x-rays; digital x-rays and traditional x-rays. Traditional x-rays have been used in image radiology for many years, dating back to the 1900s. Digital x-ray is the advanced method of x-ray inspection.
Digital x-rays are safer than traditional x-rays because they use eight percent less radiation than traditional x-rays. This makes them more efficient and reduces the risk of developing issues from the radiation, unlike traditional x-rays.
Other benefits of digital x-rays include lesser exposure time, improved detectability, digital image enhancement, data storage, and portability.
All dental x-rays produce radiation that is not good for the body. Research shows that diagnostic x-rays are a leading source of radiation exposure. Intra-oral dental x-rays are the most likely source of radiation to the thyroid.
In 2013, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) published that the thyroid is one of the most radioactive organs in the head and neck region and of the most susceptible organ to radiation-induced cancer. Studies reveal that an increased number and frequency of dental x-rays examinations are associated with an increased risk of all types of thyroid cancer.
Dental x-rays are a standard procedure for patients. Both adults and children should wear lead aprons with thyroid guards to reduce their exposure to radiation from the x-rays.
What is the effect of poor oral hygiene on the thyroid?
Unknown to most people, their poor oral hygiene practices affect their thyroid function, which is even worse for individuals with thyroid dysfunction. Research shows that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of health complications.
Although there is no direct connection between poor oral hygiene and thyroid disorders, let us consider the following.
An autoimmune disorder results from malfunctioning the immune system when it fights against its healthy cells and tissues rather than defending and protecting them; this results in chronic inflammation.
Although the primary cause of autoimmune disorders has not been discovered, bacteria and infections are known to trigger autoimmune disorders in the body. The accumulation of bacteria and viruses in the mouth is caused by dental infections like gingivitis and periodontal gum diseases resulting from poor dental health.
Bacteria and viruses could be transported via the bloodstream to other body parts, including the thyroid, to trigger autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s and Grave’s disease.
What are products for oral hygiene that reduce fluoride exposure?
Fluoride can disrupt your normal thyroid functioning. Fluoride has similar properties to iodine and can bind to the iodine receptors in the thyroid. The fluoride binding to the iodine receptors prevents the thyroid gland’s absorption of iodine, resulting in iodine deficiency. The binding of fluoride to iodine receptors can lead to hypothyroidism.
Fluoride is present in our regular daily life. Fluoride can be found in almost all kinds of toothpaste available. In America, public water sources are also fluoridated to prevent tooth decay in the general population.
Fluoride can also be found in many dental products, processed foods and beverages, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical drugs. Some pesticides used to kill insects and pests also contain fluoride, and the gas could be inhaled into the body.
However, there are alternate ways to improve and maintain oral health without using fluoride. Recently, there is available toothpaste that has been approved for dental care but does not contain fluoride, which are Coral Nano Silver toothpaste, Theodent, and arginine processed toothpaste like Colgate toothpaste. These products are all-natural, kid-friendly, and safe to swallow. They are also available in mouthwash and toothbrushes.
Also, Xylitol is a great alternative to fluoride in preventing tooth decay. Xylitol can be found in foods, mouthwash, chewing gum, candy, and mints.
Other products for healthy dental practices include the right toothbrush and regular flossing
Brushing your teeth is a prime daily activity. Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least two to three times every day is essential. Apart from the fact that it prevents tooth decay, teeth staining, gum diseases, and bad breath. It also promotes good interpersonal relationships with people.
You are expected to change your toothbrush every three to four months. A worn-out toothbrush is as good as an inefficient one. Choosing the right toothbrush is also as important as brushing itself. There are different sizes and shapes of toothbrushes. Using a soft bristle toothbrush that easily fits into your mouth is best.
Flossing is just as important as brushing. It protects the gum by removing the dirt and particles in the small gaps and tight spaces in the mouth that the toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing prevents periodontal gum diseases, usually caused by bacteria and plaque buildup from food debris.
However, studies have revealed that some dental floss contains fluoride, which contains PFAS compounds. PFAS stands for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances; they contain a strong carbon-fluoride bond. Exposure to PFAS causes an accumulation of toxic chemicals that cause harmful effects on the body.
What is the use of coconut oil in oral hygiene?
Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the meat of a coconut. It has a wide range of benefits; it has been used and approved over centuries for health promotion. Its use is not excluded from dental care as it has proven effective in promoting better dental/oral health.
The use of coconut oil in oral hygiene is known as oil pulling. Oil pulling is a common practice used in oral hygiene. The process involves swishing oil in your mouth for about 15 to 20 mins and then spitting it out. In simple terms, it is using coconut oil as a mouthwash. The fatty acids in the oil attract and trap bacteria.
You remove harmful bacteria and plaque every time you oil pull, leaving your mouth cleaner and fresher.
The significant benefits of coconut oil in oral health care are:
- It removes the harmful mouth bacteria that cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum diseases.
- It also reduces plaque and plaque-induced gum disease.
- It prevents bad breath.
However, oil pulling should not replace standard oral hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth two to three times a day, flossing, a healthy diet, and regular visits to the dentist.
What is the role of unhealthy food in tooth decay?
Intake of sugary foods, unhealthy diet, and poor nutrients adversely affect dental health. They result in tooth decay, gum diseases, and even bad breath. Sugary foods accumulate in the teeth and cause eroding, resulting in tooth decay, dental erosion, and possible tooth loss. Poor nutrition and an unhealthy diet affect the growth of teeth and jaws during development in the early years and later adulthood.
High intake of processed foods, sweets, sugary drinks (juices, carbonated drinks like sodas), and simple carbohydrates (starchy foods) threaten your oral health. These unhealthy foods convert into glucose in the body and form bacteria in the mouth, eventually leading to cavities.
Also, excessive intake of citrus fruits results in enamel eroding. Enamel eroding results from the acid from the citrus fruits, which covers the enamel and damages it.
It is advised to avoid an unhealthy diet and limit sugary foods to the bare minimum to promote a healthy dental lifestyle.
What vitamins and supplements are beneficial for tooth and gum health?
A healthy and balanced diet provides you with the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed for the growth of healthy teeth, such as
Vitamin A promotes the healing of inflamed gums and maintains the gum’s soft tissues.
Deficiency of Vit. B results in toothache, oral sensitivity, and receding gems. Thereby an essential element of dental health.
Vitamin C is a vital vitamin for gum health. It promotes healing and prevents inflammation of the gums while maintaining healthy teeth.
Vitamin D-3 aids the absorption of calcium. It also guards against gum and teeth diseases.
Calcium is an essential element of tooth growth and development. It strengthens and maintains the density of the teeth.
For patients with thyroid dysfunctions, it is essential to check for vitamins and health supplements that do not contain fluoride to reduce the body’s exposure to fluoride.
Conclusion
Oral hygiene is the healthy practice of caring for your mouth and teeth. It is also defined as keeping your mouth and teeth healthy and disease-free. Involves brushing your teeth regularly, at least twice daily, before going to bed, flossing, and regular checkups at the dentist.
Furthermore, oral treatments for thyroid patients should be taken with extra care and managed by a biological dentist. Not all dental works are compatible with thyroid patients; some dental treatments could result in inflammation.
And also trigger autoimmune disorders worsening the condition of the thyroid. Modifying some dental treatments with utmost attention to drug interactions is necessary.
This is important as dental and thyroid health must function well for a happy life.
For example, mercury in dental work should be avoided for thyroid patients. The mercury causes inflammation and triggers autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s and Grave’s.
Lastly, regular visits to your dentist at least twice a year should be maintained to avoid dental issues if you have a thyroid condition.
Ensure you use digital x-rays for imaging and wear a lead apron shield for the neck to avoid radiation exposure. Consult a biological dentist for a healthier alternative if you have thyroid disfunction to replace amalgam mercury fillers such as dental composite resins.
REFERENCE LINKS
Oral Hygiene: Best Practices & Instructions for Good Routine (clevelandclinic.org)
Can Dental Work, Such as Fillings, Lead to Thyroid Issues? – Thyroid Advisor
Different Types Of Dental Procedures – Miosuperhealth
Is It Possible That Your Mercury Filling Caused Your Hypothyroidism? (thyroidnation.com)
Dental Amalgams, Root Canals, And Thyroid Health | Natural Endocrine Solutions
Suffer With Thyroid Disease And Have A Scalloped Tongue (thyroidnation.com)
Macroglossia: Definition, Causes & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
Defects of taste and smell in patients with hypothyroidism – PubMed (nih.gov)
Thyroid disorders and osteoporosis (btf-thyroid.org)
I didn’t realise that there was such a link between dental health and your thyroid. It’s so important to look after all aspects of your health.
Thanks for your comment!Yes! There is that connection and we detail it in our article! Liliana.
Hi Jenny,
You’re absolutely right; taking care of all aspects of our health is crucial. The connection between dental health and the thyroid is often overlooked, but it’s essential to recognize that our body systems are interconnected. Maintaining good dental health supports a healthy smile and can positively impact overall well-being, including the thyroid gland.
Hi Jenny!
Yes, it is surprising on how closely dental health is connected to the thyroid! It just goes to show how taking care of all aspects of our health is so important. Thanks for visiting our website.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Jenny! It’s surprising how interconnected our health can be, and taking care of all aspects, including dental health, is indeed crucial. If you have any more questions or topics you’d like to explore, feel free to let us know. We’re here to provide valuable insights and information to support your well-being.
I know that the dental issues can affect the heart and your cardiac system. I didn’t know that there was a connection between the dental problems and the thyroid as well.
Hi Joanna! Yes, dental health and thyroid function are interconnected. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, and an imbalance in these hormones can cause various health problems, including oral health issues.
Thank you for your comment and for sharing your insights! You’re right that dental issues like dental work done with heavy metals can impact the heart, cardiac system, and thyroid. It’s fascinating to see how different systems in the body are interconnected. Thank you for highlighting this connection and contributing to the conversation!
HiJoanna!
Absolutely, you’re right! Dental issues can indeed have broader health implications beyond just oral health. The connection between dental problems and the thyroid may not be as widely known, but it’s an important aspect of overall health to consider. If you have any more questions feel free to ask. Thanks for reading our blog.
HiJoanna,
You’re absolutely right! Dental problems can indeed have an impact on the heart and cardiac system, and it’s important to be aware of this connection. Surprisingly, dental health can also influence thyroid health in various ways. It’s fascinating how interconnected our body’s systems can be. Thanks for reading our blog.