Oral and Dental Care for Patients with Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland manufactures hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. The most common thyroid problems are involved with the overproduction and underproduction of thyroid hormones. A thyroid gland that produces too much hormone is called hyperthyroidism and not enough production is called hypothyroidism.
There are dental risks treating patients with uncontrolled thyroid disease. Patients with hyperthyroidism can have elevated blood pressure and pulse. It is dangerous to perform dental procedures on patients with elevated blood pressure. Regular communication between the dentist and patients’ physician is important in helping the patients to maintain and control the thyroid disease.
Some effects of Thyroid Disease on Dental Health:

• Dry mouth

▪ decrease saliva production

▪ mouth sores, tooth decay and difficulty swallowing

• Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

▪ middle-aged women or women in menopause develop BMS

▪ burning sensation on the tongue or the lips or the whole mouth

▪ bitter or metallic taste

▪ treatment for thyroid disease can improve the symptoms of BMS

Some Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism on oral and dental health

• Salivary gland enlargement

• Compromised periodontium (gum infection)

• Dysgeusia (distortion of the sense of taste)

• Delayed dental eruption

• Enamel hypoplasia (thin enamel, vulnerable to dental decay)in primary and permanent dentition

• Anterior open bite (upper and lower front teeth don’t touch)

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

• Mouth breathing

Some Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism on oral and dental health

• Increased dental decay risk

• Increased periodontal disease risk

• Burning Mouth Syndrome

• Accelerated dental eruption

• Maxillary and mandibular osteoporosis

Recommendations on treating patients with Thyroid Disease

• Regular communication between the dentist and patients physician

• Update the patient’s medical history at every dental visit

▪ patient’s medication (list of medications currently taking)

▪ blood test (thyroid) ordered by the physician

• Take blood pressure at the start and end of the dental treatment

• Patients with elevated blood pressure and pulse

▪ postpone the dental treatment

▪ use local anesthetics without epinephrine

• Patients with dry mouth

▪ xylitol products in toothpaste, mouth rinse, and chewing gum prevent tooth decay and dry mouth

• Review dental home care

• Regular dental checkups

▪ dental exams and cleanings 2 times per year

▪ x-rays as needed

• Remind the patient to follow up with their physicians

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. With proper medical and dental care, symptoms of Thyroid Disease can be monitored, maintained and well-controlled. Please call our office at 626-335-5114      to schedule a dental checkup. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com.