Hyperthyroidism and Oral and Dental Health (+ Care Tips)

Hyperthyroidism, a Challenge for the Entire Body

Hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroidism is a relatively common thyroid disorder that causes excessive production of thyroid hormones. These hormones play a very important role in regulating metabolism and numerous body functions. Therefore, increasing their levels negatively affects various body systems and causes health problems such as high blood pressure, anxiety, weight gain, etc. One of the issues that may have received less attention is the problems related to oral and dental health in patients with hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism harms oral and dental health in various ways and increases the likelihood of periodontal diseases.

The relationship between hyperthyroidism and oral and dental health

Thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, are associated with a wide range of oral and dental health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. In many cases, these oral problems can be the first signs of thyroid disease. Just like diabetes, oral health problems are early warning signs of thyroid disease. Here are some of the ways in which hyperthyroidism can affect your oral health.

Dry mouth (xerostomia):

Hyperthyroidism affects the function of your salivary glands, reducing saliva production. More than half of people with thyroid disease suffer from this problem. Without enough saliva to wash away food and bacteria, your mouth becomes a breeding ground for gum disease and tooth decay. This increases the likelihood of plaque buildup and rapid progression of cavities.

Increased bleeding and infection:

Patients with hyperthyroidism often experience increased inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Hyperthyroidism negatively affects the body’s ability to heal wounds. Therefore, the body has difficulty healing wounds and dealing with gingivitis (gum inflammation), which can develop into gum disease (periodontitis).

Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking:

An enlarged tongue (macroglossia) is common in thyroid patients, especially those with hyperthyroidism. This condition makes swallowing and breathing more difficult and increases the risk of snoring, open mouth, and dry mouth during sleep.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Patients with hyperthyroidism may experience a burning, tingling, or numbness sensation in the tongue, lips, roof of the mouth, or other areas of the mouth. This burning sensation can be constant or intermittent.

Changes in taste:

People with hyperthyroidism may have a somewhat altered sense of taste, especially salty and bitter tastes. Therefore, they may taste less or differently than before.

Tooth decay:

Hyperthyroidism generally leads to an increased susceptibility to tooth decay. This occurs due to changes in the composition of saliva or general metabolic changes in the body.

Thinning of tooth enamel:

In some cases, hyperthyroidism is associated with thinning of tooth enamel. Enamel is the protective outer layer of teeth, and thinning makes teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.

Mouth ulcers:

This is less common, but sometimes people with hyperthyroidism experience mouth ulcers that may be slower to heal.

Effects of hyperthyroidism medication on oral health:

Some medications used to treat hyperthyroidism (such as methimazole or propylthiouracil) can cause oral side effects. These include changes in taste, dry mouth, or in rare cases, a decrease in white blood cells, which can increase the risk of oral infections.

Thyroid tissue growth outside the main gland:

Sometimes thyroid tissue grows in places other than the main gland (such as the tongue or neck). This can cause swelling or a lump in the mouth or throat.

Faster teething in children

In children with hyperthyroidism, permanent teeth may start to erupt earlier than expected. This early eruption negatively affects the alignment of the teeth and the development of the jaw.

Reduced bone mass in the jaws:

Hyperthyroidism leads to a loss of bone minerals, including the jaw bones. Reduced bone density in the jaw affects the stability of teeth and even the success of dental treatments such as implants. Patients with hyperthyroidism are also much more likely to have loose teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Increased anxiety or stress during dental procedures:

Patients with hyperthyroidism experience increased stress and fear during dental visits due to increased anxiety and palpitations. This condition can make dental treatments more difficult for them or cause them to postpone their dental treatments, which also affects oral health.

Controlling Hyperthyroidism: The First Step in Oral Health

Regulating thyroid hormone levels is the most important step you can take to maintain oral health. Regular visits to an endocrinologist, careful use of medications, and periodic tests to ensure hormonal balance are the foundation for protecting your mouth and teeth. Proper regulation of thyroid function, along with proper oral care, minimizes the risk of oral complications associated with hyperthyroidism.

Oral Health Care Tips for Hyperthyroidism

As you have seen in the sections above, patients with hyperthyroidism are more vulnerable to oral problems; therefore, these people should take into account a number of special considerations in addition to observing general oral and dental hygiene. Below are general measures and specific care strategies to maintain oral health in hyperthyroid patients:

• Brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day, for 2 minutes each time
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Floss your teeth daily, at least once a day
• Use fluoride or antibacterial mouthwashes to further strengthen your teeth and reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth
• Quite smoking and other tobacco products
• Regular dental cleanings and checkups, every six months
• Drink plenty of water to relieve dry mouth
• Use sugar-free gum or sugar-free lollipops to stimulate saliva production
• Use topical fluoride gels or fluoride varnishes
• Get enough vitamin D from food sources or supplements
• Reduce stress with relaxation techniques to improve overall health and help control hyperthyroidism
• Follow a balanced diet, consume healthy, nutritious foods, and reduce sugar and processed foods to support overall health and mouth.

Final Words

In this article, we examined the effects of hyperthyroidism on oral health and explained how hyperthyroidism can affect oral health in various ways; from common problems such as dry mouth and tooth decay to lesser-known complications such as the impact on jaw bone density. Therefore, in addition to maintaining general oral health, patients with hyperthyroidism should also pay attention to controlling this underlying condition and a number of specific medical considerations. Regularly following an endocrinologist’s treatment plan, along with a careful nutritional and care routine, is the most effective way to maintain oral health in the best possible way.