THE BELGRAVIA CENTRE HAIR LOSS BLOG

It may seem bizarre that a tooth infection could cause hair loss but according to research, if you’re like the one in every thousand who suffers from seemingly random bald patches on your scalp or even your beard, eyebrows and eyelashes, you may need to consult your dentist.

In most circumstances hair loss is genetic, in fact an estimated 80 percent of cases are hereditary. However, sudden patchy hair loss with no apparent cause may be due to alopecia areata – the most mysterious form of hair loss. The condition can be triggered by a number of factors and new research reveals a tooth infection may be one of them.

The study conducted by the professors at the University of Grenada uncovered a close relationship between infection outbreaks on teeth and the presence of alopecia areata. Doctor Elena Dimitrova of the Belgravia Centre says it is possible that alopecia could be connected to dental infection.

“Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease and there are a number of factors that could cause the immune system to weaken. If the tooth infection were extreme it could have an effect on hair loss,” Dr Dimitrova said.

It is understood that alopecia occurs when white blood cells mistakenly attack the hair follicles, weakening them to the point where hair growth can no longer occur. When a tooth becomes infected, white blood cells work overtime to attack and destroy the infection. These cells can sometimes migrate to nearby cells, such as those found in the hair follicles.

The association of alopecia and tooth infection is often detected close to the area of infection. Hair loss may be seen in the beard, eyebrow and neck area, on the crown or lower portions of the scalp. In about 50 percent of alopecia cases patients will experience spontaneous re-growth without any treatment within a year, but the likelihood of total re-growth diminishes as the severity of the condition increases. A study reported in the European Journal of Dermatology also estimates that seven to 10 percent of patients may experience more extensive and chronic forms of the disease.

In light of the recent discovery of tooth infection and alopecia, many dentists are now being trained to look for patchy, sudden hair loss in patients experiencing tooth infections. The good news about infection-induced alopecia is that because a cause is linked, it can be treated and reversed. If the symptoms are caught in early stages of development, both the infection and hair loss can be easily treated.

Whilst science has not yet demonstrated a cure for alopecia, there are some options available to help treat the symptoms (that is, sudden patchy hair loss). A course of steroid injections into the scalp can help in cases where the bald patches are quite small. The treatment involves several injections about 1cm apart (however the number of injections is often limited by pain) and is repeated every four to six weeks. However patients have found the Belgravia Centre’s non-invasive Minoxidil 12.5% + Azelaic Acid formulation (produced by its own in-house pharmacy and not available anywhere else in Europe) to be as effective, if not more effective than the injections and a much more comfortable alternative. Patients frequently see remarkable results within three to six months, instilling a renewed sense of confidence.

If you’re experiencing haphazard hair loss and can’t quite understand why, a free consultation with a professional trichologist at the Belgravia Centre may give you some peace of mind. Call the clinic on 020 7730 6666 to make a booking or click here. If you can’t find time to pop into the London clinic, simply fill in the online diagnosis form for some expert advice. Don’t forget to have that tooth checked either.

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