Osteoporosis & Oral Health Patients with osteoporosis are usually prescribed antiresorptive medications to prevent bone loss. Some are taken by mouth (oral) while others are injected (intravenous). A list of common antiresroptive medications prescribed to osteoporosis patients is as follows: Generic Name Brand Name Alendronate Fosamax Etidronate Didronel Ibandronate Boniva Pamidronate Aredia Risedronate Actonel Zoledronic acid Zometa, Reclast Denosumab Prolia As with all therapies, these medications can have side effects. One of these is the effect on jaw bones. This occurs more often when the drugs are given intravenously and when consumption of oral medication is beyond three years.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (ONJ)
“Osteo” means bone and “necrosis” means death. With death of the bone, there may be pain, swelling and pus discharge from the gums. There may also be spontaneous bone exposures, non-healing tooth extraction sockets and loosening of teeth.
Minimising risk of ONJ Undergo a dental examination before starting drug therapy. Infected teeth may have to be treated or extracted and ill-fitting dentures adjusted or changed. This should be followed with good oral care and regular dental check-ups. •
Brush your teeth twice a day
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Use dental floss or interdental brush to clean teeth at least once a day
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Clean the mouth, tongue and teeth after every meal
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Clean the mouth before sleep
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Cut down on sugary food and drinks
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Visit the dentist regularly
Treatment of ONJ If ONJ occurs, antibiotics may be prescribed and exposed bone removed. Prolonged healing is not unusual.
Yishun Health Campus is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
DENT.PE.01.1017