Are You Experiencing Patchy Hair Loss? Get Your Teeth Checked

Research conducted by the University of Grenada suggests that there is a definite link between certain dental diseases and a patchy hair loss condition known as Alopecia Areata. Researchers noted that the hair loss appeared in a line projected directly from infected teeth and could therefore could cause hair loss in the beard, moustache, eyebrows or scalp depending on the patient. The study also concluded that the infection and hair loss affected men and women alike.

What is Alopecia Areata?

The study, overseen by professors José Antonio Gil Montoya and Antonio Cutando Soriano from the Department of Stomatology at the University of Grenada, noted that the subjects they observed experienced hair loss caused by Alopecia Areata.

The actual cause of Alopecia Areata is not yet known, but it is understood to be caused by a patient’s own immune system ‘attacking’ the hair follicles and causing them to enter a resting phase known as ‘telogen’. Hair follicles in the telogen phase shut down and all hair growth stops until the attached hair falls out. It is perfectly normal for hair follicles to enter telogen, but they do not normally tend to so in distinct patches as is the case in Alopecia Areata.

The observations of the University of Granada research team seem to confirm the relation between infection and the immune system, but for the affected people it would appear that they experience an extreme reaction. Instead of specifically targeting the infected area however, the patient’s immune system goes into overdrive and attacks the hair follicles too.

Regrowing the Hair

The good news is that for many people with Alopecia Areata, their hair tends to regrow without medical intervention over the course of several months. However, because the condition and its exact causes remain something of a mystery to doctors, they cannot provide exact timelines to people affected.

Using the information gathered by the team at the University of Granada however, one of the first actions a person affected by patchy hair loss or a receding hair line should be to visit a hair loss specialist such as The Belgravia Centre. A hair loss expert can accurately identify the type of hair loss and suggest a relevant course of treatment to the patient. The hair loss expert will also be able to advise whether another condition is at work, such as a receding hairline caused by Male Pattern Balding. In the event that a diagnosis of Alopecia Areata is given, the next step might be to visit a dentist for an oral check up.

If the dentist can find evidence of an oral infection they will be able to prescribe medication such as antibiotics to fight the infection. For the hair loss however, it might be an idea to contact the experts to enquire about treatment courses tailored specifically to your condition, pattern and stage of hair loss. Treatments such as minoxidil 12.5% cream are ideal for regrowing patches of hair loss caused by Alopecia.

Hair Regrowth for the Future

People who experience hair loss as a result of Alopecia Areata may find that it is not a one off occurrence. Around 25% of those diagnosed with the condition will experience a recurrence, making it essential that they obtain quality expert advice as soon as they can to deal with any underlying problems.

As well as dental infections, Alopecia Areata can also be caused by hormonal shifts during pregnancy, allergies, certain chemicals and even seasonal changes. The Belgravia Centre can help identify potential causes of hair loss for their clients and advise on lifestyle choices to lower the risk of future incidences.

People experiencing hair loss caused by Alopecia Areata, or believe themselves to be at risk of developing the condition, should be assured however that of those who contract the disorder, 75% will never have the same issue again. These people will find that their hair grows back normally given enough time although they are still advised to seek professional advice.

To find out more about Alopecia Areata and how The Belgravia Centre can assist, contact us to arrange a free, no obligation appointment with one of our hair loss specialists or if you are not within easy reach of London, fill in our online diagnostic form to obtain a personalised hair loss treatment programme that can be sent to you wherever you live.

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