What oral changes may occur in patients with osteoporosis?

What oral changes may occur in patients with osteoporosis?

• A. Increased tooth loss and denture adjustments as jaw shape changes
• B. Decreased tooth loss
• C. Jawbone expansion
• D. Increased saliva production

Answer: (A)

Osteoporosis reduces bone density, including the jawbone that supports teeth. When the alveolar bone resorbs, teeth can become loose or be lost, and the shape and height of the jaw ridge change. These changes also affect how dentures fit, often requiring adjustments or remakes to maintain proper fit and function. This combination—more tooth loss risk plus denture fit changes due to evolving jaw contour—is a common oral consequence of osteoporosis. The other possibilities don’t fit because osteoporosis doesn’t typically decrease tooth loss, cause jawbone expansion, or increase saliva production.

Osteoporosis reduces bone density, including the jawbone that supports teeth. When the alveolar bone resorbs, teeth can become loose or be lost, and the shape and height of the jaw ridge change. These changes also affect how dentures fit, often requiring adjustments or remakes to maintain proper fit and function. This combination—more tooth loss risk plus denture fit changes due to evolving jaw contour—is a common oral consequence of osteoporosis.

The other possibilities don’t fit because osteoporosis doesn’t typically decrease tooth loss, cause jawbone expansion, or increase saliva production.