science «Osteoporosis-induced fractures could cause disabilities, they could even lead to death. Consequently, early diagnosis and treatment of illness is important. For us, dentists and dental prosthetists, timely treatment of osteoporosis is also important, so that the strength of the jawbone is maintained for longer and our work is more productive,» explains Anda Slaidiņa, Associate Professor of Riga Stradiņš University.
text / Lāsma Vaivare photo / Elīna Karaseva
Head Cannot Be Disregarded
People want to be able to smile and live their lives to the fullest at any age, says Anda Slaidiņa, Associate Professor of Riga Stradiņš University, who has been researching osteoporosis of the jawbone for a long time; thanks to modern diagnostics, namely the condition of the jawbone could be the first indicator of osteoporosis
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Every year, osteoporosis is the cause of almost 9 million broken bones; this disease, characterized by bone density loss, results in fragile bones prone to fracture even when performing light physical activities or receiving minor injuries. It affects about 200 million women worldwide; after turning 50, one out of three women and one out of five men worldwide experience bone fractures induced by osteoporosis – International Osteoporosis Foundation statistics are harsh. They also show that in the future, the situation will become increasingly complex, which for the most part is related to population ageing and a longer life expectancy. Osteoporosis is closely related to age: its most common form is osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. For a long time it was believed that osteoporosis did not affect the jawbone, when eating and chewing, it is under a heavy workload, says Slaidiņa. And then she adds that for a long time, the jawbone was not viewed in tandem with the rest of the skeleton, oral and dental health was not part of the overall picture of a human’s general health status. Now, the situation has changed.
Keep your smile
For dental implants or removable dentures to be comfortable and functional, and for the patients to avoid complications and be satisfied, the volume and quality of the jawbone are extremely important, explains the Associate Professor of Riga Stradiņš University (RSU). The bone has to have enough mass and density – porridge would not hold teeth in place, she uses a comparison. «Besides, you can get