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Do Steroids Have An Effect On Tooth Enamel Mineralization?

Posted on Thu, 13 Aug 2015

Question: Dear Dentist,

I had some weak steroids briefly to improve my height.

In case it caused tooth enamel minerlisation, in adulthood, what is the rate of mineralisation and demineralisation of our teeth enamel?

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Steriods hamper mineralization in teen age

Detailed Answer:
Brief Answer:
Yes, it affects mineralization

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in.

Tooth development occurs with coordination of various hormones & enzymes. Calcitropic hormone is the main hormone responsible for tooth development. Steroids bind to the protein part of this hormone required for development of tooth, hence hamper mineralization.

Steroids are habit forming & also affect immunity. Hence are contraindicated while tooth development.
Moreover the effect produced is permanent & irreversible.
Exact rate can not be described. It occurs on in teen age & has no effect in adulthood.

Hope I answered your query

Wishing you good health

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (1 hour later)

Thanks for your reply.

I forget to mention it was anabolic steroids taken in my teen years (age 14.5)

Just to confirm , does this kind of steroid hamper minerilisation or is the opposite true, does it boost mineralisation? Which is true?

Many thanks and Best Regards

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it hampers mineralization

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Both anabolic & catabolic steroids bind the protein part of hormone that is responsible for tooth development.Hence it effects minerilization.

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (12 hours later)

Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX

i have one final query away from dentistry, if i may ask.

Regarding fibroblasts of connective tissues, what is their turnover rate or lifespan?

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It varies from 90-700 days

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in.

There is always a balance between formation & destruction of fibroblasts & this balance is known as turn over .In healthy individual it is always positive but it becomes negative in inflammatory condition like scurvy.Normal life of fibroblast ranges from 90-700 days.

Hope I answered your query

Wishing you good health

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (1 hour later)

Thanks Dr XXXXXXX for your valued answers.

Just one more question i hope you clarify , i would be very grateful.

Apparently cancer cells are immortal. What if the steroids i took at 14 helped to proliferate existing cancer cells...is that possible?

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Steroids destroy few type of cancer cells

Detailed Answer:
Hii

Steroids are used to destroy few type of cancer cells like in lymphomas.Prednisolone is commonly used in such treatmemt.For more details kindly consult oncologist.

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj