Osteoporosis drug many have negative impact on oral health
Researchers in America have warned patients about the potential effects of taking the osteoporosis drugs, biophosphonates.
Researchers have revealed that there is between a 3 and 12 percent chance of damage to the jaw joint when taking biophosphonates; it is important that patients are aware of the risk and tell their dentists that they are taking this form of drug. The effects can be particularly damaging if the patient is undergoing surgery on the jaw joint, as the drugs can contribute to osteonecrosis.
The results of the research study have recently been published in the Journal of the American Dental Association; the study, which involved 71 women and 2 men aged between 44 and 88, confirmed that patients were unaware of the possible dangers of taking the drugs. The results concluded that 82 percent of the participants, who were all undergoing biophosphonate therapy and dental care, had little knowledge of the potential risks and did not recall being told about these risks by health professionals.
In light of the results of this recent study, the research team has suggested that patients need to be made aware of the possible dangers associated with taking certain drugs; they must know about the medication they are taking so that they can pass this information onto their dentist.
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