Thyroid Disorders & Oral Health: The Overlooked Connection

Why Thyroid Health Matters for Your Teeth and Gums

Most people know that thyroid disorders affect metabolism and energy, but few realize that thyroid imbalances directly influence your oral health. Thyroid dysfunction can cause dry mouth, weaken tooth-supporting bone, increase gum inflammation, and delay healing after dental procedures. Understanding this connection is critical for protecting your teeth long-term.
(BMC Oral Health, 2025)

What Research Shows

Hypothyroidism and Dry Mouth: Over 50% of thyroid patients experience xerostomia (dry mouth), which increases cavity and gum disease risk. Saliva is critical for fighting bacteria and protecting enamel.

Hypothyroidism and Delayed Healing: Low thyroid hormones impair bone healing. Studies show hypothyroid patients experience delayed post-extraction healing, dry socket, and higher infection rates after dental procedures.

Hyperthyroidism and Jawbone Loss: Elevated thyroid hormones accelerate bone breakdown, leading to alveolar bone loss and rapid periodontal destruction, risking loose teeth and tooth loss.

Thyroid Hormones and Gum Inflammation: Thyroid imbalances directly increase gum inflammation, pocket depth, and attachment loss, making periodontal disease more likely.

How to Protect Your Oral Health

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist every 6 months. Tell them about your thyroid condition so they can monitor for bone loss and gum complications.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to combat dry mouth. Ask your dentist about saliva-stimulating products if xerostomia is severe.

Support Saliva Protection with Technology: For people managing dry mouth due to thyroid imbalance, the Feno Smartbrush can help maintain oral balance between dental visits. Its personalized mouthpiece, and connected app help clean more thoroughly while supporting saliva’s natural protective role especially helpful when thyroid issues make oral hygiene more challenging.

Balance Your Thyroid Hormones: Work with your endocrinologist to maintain optimal TSH and T4 levels. Well-controlled thyroid function reduces inflammation and improves healing.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (or as your dentist recommends) and floss daily. These habits are especially critical with a thyroid disorder.

Coordinate Multidisciplinary Care: Link your endocrinologist and dentist so they can work together to reduce oral complications.

Bottom Line

Your thyroid affects your oral health just as much as your metabolism. Thyroid imbalances lead to dry mouth, bone loss, and gum inflammation, all threats to your teeth. By maintaining balanced thyroid levels, visiting your dentist regularly, using appropriate tools (like the Feno Smartbrush), and practicing good oral hygiene, you can protect your smile. Don’t let thyroid disorder become a silent threat to your oral health.