Bone Abstracts

Introduction and aim: Many patients with osteoporosis are elderly and oral health is an important aspect of patient care especially in patients on bisphosphonates. Our aim was to determine oral health attitudes and practices in patients with osteoporosis receiving bisphosphonates.

Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted after informed consent on cognitively intact patients diagnosed with osteoporosis who were attending hospital Osteoporosis clinic and received bisphosphonate treatments.

Results: 200 patients age range 50–95 years (average 70 years) 75% females. Patients receiving treatments were alendronate (80%) risedronate (10%) ibandronate (4%) zoledronate (6%). 100% considered care of teeth is important. 92% considered cleaning of teeth daily is important. 20% considered they do not need regular specialist dental care. 90% thought tooth loss is normal consequence of ageing. 90% considered tooth loss has an association with osteoporosis. 32% felt access to dental services was a barrier towards improving oral health. 20% used dentures. 65% had visited dentist in last 1 year. 50% regularly visit dentist twice a year. 10% were not registered with a dentist. 59% clean their teeth twice daily. 80% had informed their dentist about osteoporosis medications. 10% were aware of rare side effect of jaw osteonecrosis.

Conclusions: This large study shows that most elderly have favourable attitudes towards improving their oral health. But there are gaps in patients knowledge and there is suboptimal dental access, behaviour and practice amongst a large number of patients. Further education and improved provision of facilities for dental care is needed.