When we think about dental health, we focus on brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. But did you know that your thyroid, a small gland in your neck, can also affect your teeth and gums?

Let’s explore how thyroid problems can lead to dental issues, what signs to watch for, and how to protect your mouth.

Key Takeaways:

• Thyroid issues can affect your teeth and gums.
• Watch for signs like dry mouth, swollen or bleeding gum issues, or jaw pain.
• Kids with thyroid problems can have delayed tooth development.
• Tell your dentist if you have a thyroid condition.
• Brush, floss, and drink water daily.
• Visit your dentist regularly and eat a mouth-friendly diet.

What Is the Thyroid?

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It produces hormones that help manage how your body uses energy, your heart rate, and even your body temperature.

When your thyroid isn’t working correctly, it can cause health problems throughout your body, including your mouth.

Common Thyroid Problems

There are two main types of thyroid issues:

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): Your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): Your thyroid produces too many hormones.

Both conditions can affect your overall health—and your dental health.

👉 Did you know? About 20 million Americans have a form of thyroid disease, and up to 60% don’t even know it. Women are especially at risk, with 1 in 8 women developing a thyroid disorder in their lifetime.

How Thyroid Problems Affect Your Mouth

Dry Mouth

People with thyroid problems often have dry mouth, which can be frustrating and uncomfortable. If this sounds familiar, check out these 6 tips for relieving the frustration of dry mouth to help keep your mouth feeling fresh and healthy.

Without enough saliva, you’re more likely to get:

• Cavities.
• Gum disease.
• Bad breath.

Dry mouth is especially common in people with hypothyroidism, due to slower metabolism and reduced saliva production.

👉 Fact: About 50% of people with dry mouth also have thyroid disease.

Swollen or Bleeding Gums

Thyroid hormones affect how your body reacts to plaque (the sticky substance on your teeth). If your thyroid is out of balance, your gums may become:

• Red.
• Swollen.
• More likely to bleed when brushing or flossing.

This can lead to gingivitis or periodontitis, which are types of gum disease. Not sure what that means? Here’s a quick guide on what gum disease is and how to spot it.

Tooth Decay and Cavities

Without enough saliva and with more plaque buildup, your teeth are at higher risk for decay. People with thyroid issues can have an increased risk of tooth decay due to changes in their diet or medications. Some thyroid medications reduce saliva production, making it harder for your mouth to wash away food and bacteria. Changes in appetite or diet—like cravings for sugary foods or not getting enough calcium—can weaken your teeth and make them more prone to decay.

Jaw and Bone Problems

Thyroid issues can affect your bones, including the bones in your jaw. Over time, this can lead to:

• Loose teeth.
• Tooth loss.
• Receding gums.

👉 Important: Untreated thyroid disorders can contribute to bone loss in the jaw, which may increase the risk of osteonecrosis (bone death) in some cases.

Delayed Tooth Development in Children

In kids, thyroid problems can slow down the growth of adult teeth. This can lead to:

• Late loss of baby teeth.
• Delayed eruption of permanent teeth.
• Problems with jaw growth.

Children with thyroid conditions may also have crowded or gapped teeth and enlarged gums. Learn more about how to support your child’s oral health in this post on bringing your child to the dentist.

Signs to Watch For

If you have a thyroid condition, watch for these dental symptoms:

• Dry mouth or thick saliva.
• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums.
• Tooth sensitivity or pain.
• Loose teeth.
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away.
• Trouble chewing or jaw pain.

If you notice any of the symptoms, talk to your dentist and your doctor.

What You Can Do

If you have thyroid-related issues you can still have healthy teeth and gums. Here’s how:

1. Tell Your Dentist

Always let your dentist know if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid medication. This helps them plan the best care for you.

2. Brush and Floss Daily

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. This helps remove plaque and protect your gums.

3. Drink Water

Water helps keep your mouth moist and washes away food and bacteria. If you have dry mouth, your dentist may suggest a special mouth rinse or saliva substitute.

4. Visit the Dentist Regularly

It is recommended to go to the dentist at least twice a year. If you have gum problems or dry mouth, your dentist may suggest that you go in more often.

5. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep your teeth and bones strong. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that can lead to cavities.

Your thyroid and your teeth are more connected than you might think. If you have any thyroid condition, taking care of your mouth is extra important. With good dental habits and regular checkups, you can keep your smile healthy—no matter what is happening with your thyroid.

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