This document discusses thyroid gland dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. It outlines the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and the etiology and clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. It also discusses some oral complications and manifestations that can occur, such as osteoporosis of the alveolar bone, dental caries, premature loss of teeth, and early eruption of permanent teeth in hyperthyroid patients. Rarely, a lingual thyroid consisting of thyroid tissue below the foramen cecum can occur. Any lingual tumors found in euthyroid patients should be examined by a physician first before surgical removal.

1. Thyroid Gland Dysfunction
Badr AL-Jindan, BDS , MSc , Dip. ABOMS, FRCD(C )
Diplomate Of The American Board Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery
Fellow Of The Royal College Of Dentist Of Canada
Assistant professor, King Faisal university, AL-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Adjunct professor, McGill university , Montreal, Canada

2. Objectives

3. Hypothalamic -Pituitary-Thyroid
Axis

4. Etiology
Hypothyroid
Hyperthyroid

5. Clinical Manifestation
Hypothyroid
Hyperthyroid

6. Clinical Manifestation
Hypothyroid
Hyperthyroid

16. ORAL COMPLICATIONS AND
MANIFESTATIONS
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Thyrotoxicosis
Osteoporosis involving the alveolar bone may
occur, and dental caries and periodontal disease
appear rapidly in these patients. The teeth and
jaws develop rapidly, and premature loss of
deciduous teeth with early eruption of
permanent teeth is common. Euthyroid infants
of hyperthyroid mothers have been reported to
have erupted teeth at birth. A few patients with
thyrotoxicosis have been found to have a
lingual “thyroid,” consisting of thyroid tissue
below the area of the foramen cecum. [34] [35]
If the dentist detects a lingual tumor in a
euthyroid patient, a physician should examine
the patient before the mass is surgically
removed ( Figure 17-16 ). This usually is done
with radioactive iodine scanning. [34] [38]