Periodontal disease is characterized by a progressive loss of supportive gingival tissue in the gums and jawbone. It is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world. Periodontal disease occurs when toxins found in oral plaque inflame and irritate the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, bacteria colonies initially cause the systematic destruction of gum tissue and then proceed to destroy the underlying bone tissue.
Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease that
frequently occurs in postmenopausal women and occurs less frequently in
men. Osteoporosis is characterized by bone fragility, low bone mass, and a
decrease in bone mineral density. Many studies have explored and
identified a connection between periodontal disease and osteoporosis.
A study conducted at the University of New York at Buffalo
in 1995 concluded that post-menopausal women who suffered from osteoporosis
were 86% more likely to also develop periodontal disease.
Reasons for the Connection
Though studies are still being conducted in order to
further assess the extent of the relationship between osteoporosis and
periodontal disease, the researchers have thus far made the following
connections:
• Estrogen deficiency – Estrogen deficiency accompanies menopause and also
speeds up the progression of oral bone loss. The lack of estrogen
accelerates the rate of attachment loss (fibers and tissues which keep the
teeth stable are destroyed).
•
Low
mineral bone density –
This is thought to be one of several causes of osteoporosis, and the
inflammation from periodontal disease makes weakened bones more prone to break
down. This is why periodontitis can be more progressive in patients with
osteoporosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Osteoporosis and periodontal disease are much less
dangerous if they are diagnosed in the early stages. Once a diagnosis has
been made, the dentist will generally work with the patient’s doctor to ensure that both diseases
are effectively controlled.
Here are some methods commonly used to diagnose and treat
the diseases:
•
Routine
dental x-rays – X-rays can
be effectively used to screen for bone loss in the upper and lower jaw, and the
dentist can provide interventions for preventing and treating periodontal
disease. It is believed that minimizing periodontal disease will help
treat osteoporosis.
•
Estrogen supplements – Providing post-menopausal women with estrogen
supplements lowers the rate of attachment loss and also lowers gingival
inflammation, which in turn protects the teeth from periodontal disease.
•
Assessment
of risk factors – Dentists and
doctors are able to closely monitor the patients that are at an increased risk
of developing both diseases by assessing family history, medical history, X-ray
results, current medications and modifiable risk factors. Tobacco use,
obesity, poor diet and estrogen deficiency can all be managed using a
combination of education, support and prescription medications.
If you have any questions about periodontal disease and its
connection with osteoporosis, please ask your dentist.
