Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which leads to the damage and loss of gum tissue and underlying bone.  Periodontal infections are caused by bacterial toxins found in plaque.  These toxins cause inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding teeth and, if not treated, will also cause gum tissue and bone degeneration.  Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults living in the developed world.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by low bone mass and bone deterioration.  These characteristics lead to increased bone fragility which, in turn, leads to increased risk of fractures.  Osteoporosis most commonly occurs in postmenopausal women and bone loss associated with osteoporosis often occurs without any symptoms.

Several research studies have found a connection between periodontal disease and osteoporosis.  One study conducted at the University of New York at Buffalo found that postmenopausal women suffering from osteoporosis were 86% more likely to suffer from periodontal disease.

The Connection

Research studies exploring the relationship between osteoporosis and periodontal disease are still ongoing.  However, several connections between the two diseases have already been made.  These connections include:

• Estrogen deficiency:  Menopausal and postmenopausal women experience a decline in estrogen.  Deficiency of this hormone increases the rate of oral bone loss as well as the rate of attachment loss of the tissues and structures which support and stabilize the teeth.
• Low mineral bone density:  Low mineral bone density is believed to be one of many causes of osteoporosis.  The inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases the fragility of bones, causing them to break down more readily.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When diagnosed early on, osteoporosis and periodontal disease are far less dangerous and will have fewer negative impacts on the patient's health and well-being.  When a patient is suffering from both conditions, their dentist and doctor will generally work together to ensure effective control and treatment of the diseases.

There are a variety of diagnostic and treatment options available to patients suffering from osteoporosis and periodontal disease.  Some of the most commonly employed methods include:

• Dental x-rays:  Dental x-rays provide an effective tool for checking for bone loss in the jaw and can assist dentists in the development of treatment plans for patients with periodontal disease and osteoporosis.
• Estrogen supplements:  By raising estrogen levels in postmenopausal women through the use of estrogen supplements, the rate of attachment loss can be decreased as can the risk of developing periodontal disease.
• Risk factor assessment:  By assessing factors such as family and medical histories, dentists and doctors can identify patients who are at greater risk of developing periodontal disease and osteoporosis.  Identification of patients with an increased risk of developing such diseases allows for close monitoring and the development of preventive and treatment measures.  Additional risk factors that will be assessed include obesity, poor nutrition, low estrogen levels and tobacco use.

If you have any questions about periodontal disease and its connection with osteoporosis, please ask your dentist.