Hypothyroidism Research Paper

Hypothyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid gland produces and releases insufficient amounts of the thyroxine hormone – causing the body’s metabolism to slow. This decrease in hormonal activity can cause further developmental and health problems as thyroxine is an important growth hormone. Hypothyroidism is not gender skewed, it can occur in either sex – at any age – however it is most often apparent among middle aged women (Litin, 1017). There are many signs and symptoms that arise from this condition that can be detected during the extra-oral examination portion of the dental appointment, making hypothyroidism an important documentable disease. It is in the clinician’s best interest to be able to identify these symptoms to further guide

the patient in living a healthy life.
There are many signs and symptoms of this disease that help identify hypothyroidism. The experienced dental clinician should look for symptoms including, but not limited to: fatigue, sluggishness, a slow heart rate, increased sensitivity to cold, unexplained weight gain – appearance wise not recorded, chronic dry skin and hair, elevated blood cholesterol level, muscle aches and weakness, a hoarse sounding voice, and or swollen or “puffy” face (Litin, 1017). Other notable signs, if conversed by the patient or noted clinically include: trouble losing weight after pregnancy, heavier menstrual periods, loss of appetite, excessive drowsiness and yawning, symptoms of early menopause, having a hard time swallowing, sensation of fullness within the neck, (oddly enough) carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, difficulty keeping warm, inability to recall memory or maintain concentration, brittle fingernails, fluid retention, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, decreased sex drive, anemia, slow reflexes, sleep apnea or snoring, allergies such as hives, recurrent contraction of colds and sinus infections, as well as many others (Isaacs, 162-168). Although there are no signs of hypothyroidism within the oral cavity, as stated above, there are numerous symptoms that can arise extra-orally and may be observed and noted during the extra-oral examination. An enlargement of the thyroid gland is often seen or felt clinically during the appointment.
A goiter is another term used for the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This obstruction is caused by a nutritional deficiency (Sroda, 116). The disease can be related to a deficiency of the mineral iodine (I). Although the recommended daily value of iodine is small, at 150µg, it is a necessity to the human body’s hormone production (Sroda, 115). There are currently no cures for this disease, however the condition is treated and controlled using medication, as directed by their physician.
There is no dental treatment necessary for hypothyroidism, putting less strain on the dental healthcare professional.

As a treatment for this condition, the patient should seek guidance of their physician for a prescribed daily medication. Medications such as Levothroid, Levoxyl, and other synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxines are often prescribed to level the hormone function by the function of a single pill (Litin, 1018). Symptoms of the disease should diminish as the medication is taken and should be completely subsided after a few months of the prescribed treatment. The treatment is often lifelong and routine blood tests are suggested to be taken as it is common for the body’s thyroid production to change over the patient’s lifetime (Litin, 1018). It is important for the patient to be consistent when taking their prescribed medication, and to note it on their medical history as it is possible it could cause complications with other

medications.
The risk of development of hypothyroidism increases with age, especially in women over the age of 40.

With this in mind, the physician often suggests a blood sample to be taken for analysis of the thyroxine hormone levels at each annual physical (Litin, 1017). An underactive thyroid is characterized by many symptoms, and if shown at an earlier age the doctor may also draw blood to test. The family medical history of the patient is an important collection as well. If the patient has a parent, grandparent or close relative with an autoimmune disease, the need to test for hypothyroidism increases significantly (Litin, 1018). Through the testing of the patient’s levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine, the physician will be able to correctly diagnose their symptoms as a result to having hypothyroidism. In response to not receiving enough thyroxine, the pituitary will make extra TSH – in an attempt to persuade the thyroid to produce more hormone (Norman). The constant flourish of high TSH causes the thyroid gland to become a goiter by enlargement (Norman). It is noted that low levels of the hormone thyroxine with a combination of high levels of TSH, is an affirmation sign of hypothyroidism (Litin, 1018). Once the patient is correctly diagnosed, the physician may begin treating the

condition.
Although excellent oral care and hygiene are always beneficial to one’s health, there appears to be no direct effect in the case of hypothyroidism. As far as nutrition, it is noted on The American Thyroid Association’s website that adequate amounts of iodine are needed in order to produce ample amounts of the thyroxine hormone. However, taking too much iodine may cause hypothyroidism to become worse (“Hypothyroidism”). This in mind, it is very important to balance the intake of iodine to further balance the thyroxine hormone levels.
The clinician’s ultimate goal is to help guide their patient into living a healthy life, further more it is important for them to be able to identify signs and symptoms of diseases that could potentially cause harm to their patient. The many signs and symptoms that arise from this condition – such as a goiter – can be detected during the dental appointment in the extra-oral examination portion. This makes hypothyroidism an important documentable disease in the patient’s records for future appointments. Not only is it important for all healthcare professionals to identify the patient’s condition, it is important for their well-being as well as their families’ well-being as they move forward to living a healthy life. Although hypothyroidism is not a curable disease, with proper diagnosis and treatment the condition can be completely controlled.