Thyroid Disorders and Oral Health

Originally published in January 2021. Updated January 2022.

The thyroid: it may be small, but it plays an incredibly big role in the day-to-day functions of our bodies. So much so that all our cells rely on the thyroid to work properly, even those cells related to the health of our teeth and gums.

Unfortunately, an estimated 20 million Americans are living with some sort of thyroid dysfunction, and what’s more, up to 60% of them don’t even know it. More than 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid disorder in their lifetime, and this can lead to a host of other health problems, including oral health conditions such as ulcers and gum disease.

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But there is good news. If caught early and given the proper treatment, most thyroid disorders can be easily managed, reducing the risk for developing serious conditions later. In some cases, it may even be your dentist who first spots the signs of thyroid disease and aids in early diagnosis.

What is Thyroid Disorder?

Thyroid disorder, also known as thyroid disease, refers to a medical condition that prevents your thyroid gland from making the correct amount of hormones that regulate our metabolism and tell our bodies how to work. Thyroid disorders can affect both men and women at any age, from infancy to late adulthood; however, disorders are more commonly diagnosed in women (about 5x to 8x more likely).

There are two main disorders of the thyroid: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underproducing hormones and hormone levels are too low. This causes the essential functions of the body to start slowing down and can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and increased sensitivity to the cold.

Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is when the thyroid is overproducing hormones and hormone levels are too high. This causes the body to rev into overdrive and use energy too quickly, which can leave you feeling tired, increase your heart rate, sudden weight loss, and anxiety.

How Are Thyroid Disease and Oral Health Linked?

Both thyroid disorders are linked to a wide variety of dental health problems, like gum disease and tooth decay, and often these can first present themselves in the mouth. As with diabetes, oral health problems could be among the early warning signs of thyroid disease.

Common oral health symptoms caused by thyroid disease include:

• Dry mouth: This condition of the salivary glands affects more than half of those with thyroid disease. While this can result in uncomfortable issues such as difficulty swallowing, it also directly affects your teeth. Without enough saliva to clear away food and bacteria, your mouth becomes a breeding ground for gum disease and tooth decay, as you’re more susceptible to plaque buildup and the rapid development of cavities.
• Bleeding and infection: Patients with thyroid disorders may experience increased inflammation and bleeding of the gums. For those with hypothyroidism specifically, it might also take longer to recover from mouth sores, which can lead to greater risk of infection. Because the thyroid affects the body’s ability to heal itself, it can also mean your body has a harder time recovering from gingivitis — which can turn into gum disease, or periodontitis, when it becomes more severe.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking: An enlarged tongue, or macroglossia, is common in patients who have thyroid disease — and can make it hard to use your mouth. It can also make it harder to breathe, increasing the risk of snoring and developing dry mouth while sleeping.

Other signs of thyroid disease in the mouth may present as the following symptoms:

Caring for Your Oral Health with Thyroid Disease

If you are living with thyroid disease, it’s important to get regular dental health exams and talk with your dentist about your thyroid problem. In fact, hormone imbalances can be obvious to your dentist in an exam, and they may recommend having your levels checked by a primary care provider if they suspect something is off. By staying on top of your oral health and working with your dental team to monitor your symptoms, you can create a plan that fits your needs.

Depending on the exact condition and its severity, dental procedures may need to be modified. In some cases, particular substances might need to be avoided, such as certain antiseptics, vasoconstrictors, or post-procedure medications. In more extreme situations, dental procedures may even be delayed if a patient’s blood pressure and pulse rate are too high. Medications to manage secondary conditions of thyroid disease, like heart problems, may also affect how you respond to blood clots and anesthesia–something your dental health professional needs to know about before any bigger procedure.

Outside of the dentist’s office, there are other ways to tailor your routine toward a thyroid disease. Those who suffer from dry mouth might find relief in toothpastes and mouthwash specifically formulated to fight those symptoms.

You might also consider switching to food and beverage products made with the sweetener xylitol. Not only can the compound help you reduce the intake of unhealthy sugars which cavity-causing bacteria love, but studies have shown that it may even help reduce other bad bacteria in the mouth by up to 75%.

As always, be sure to visit your dentist twice a year and be sure to keep them updated on any changes you’ve noticed in your mouth or overall health. There may not be a cure for thyroid disease, but with the right maintenance and treatment plans, you can make sure it doesn’t affect your sparkling smile or your oral health.

Use our “Find a Dentist” tool to locate a provider who can help you care for your smile!