Periodontal disease (periodontitis), is the gradual condition that leads the recession of the gum or jawbone, and ultimately tooth loss. Periodontal disease may lead to severe health problems in various parts of the body due to the toxins found in plaque. When the gum tissues become inflamed, the destructive results include the irritation of the gingiva (gum tissue). this in turn causes bacterial infection (gingivitis) which results in the damage of the underlying bone and gum tissue.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in characterized by fragile and brittle bones due to loss of tissue and is generally a result of hormonal changes, or lack of calcium or vitamin D in the bones. It is often times observed in postmenopausal women, and occurs less often in men. Conducted studies by the University of New York at Buffalo show that women who are going through menopause are 86% more likely to suffer from periodontal disease if they have osteoporosis.

The Relationship Between Osteoporosis and Periodontal Disease

Deficiency in Estrogen: Menopause is usually accompanied by the lack of estrogen, which also intensifies the development of oral bone loss. When the amount of estrogen is deficient in the body, it destroys the fibers and tissues that stabilize the teeth.

Minimal bone density: Periodontitis can develop quickly in individuals suffering from osteoporosis. The irritation caused by periodontal disease weakens the bones and makes them more susceptible to break down.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When periodontal disease and osteoporosis are diagnosed in their initial stages, they are less likely threaten or harm the patient’s body. The dentist will usually diagnose the issue thoroughly and collaborate with the patient and their doctor to make sure the diseases are successfully controlled.

Common Methods Used to Diagnose and Treat the Disease: 

Consistent dental X-rays that screen and detect the loss of bone in the jaw. By preventing periodontitis, it will assist in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Estrogen supplements are another method of providing estrogen to women that decrease the rate of attachment loss and gum irritation; this treatment in turn guards the teeth from periodontal disease.

Examination of risk contributors: When medical professional thoroughly assess patients that are prone to developing osteoporosis and periodontitis,

Dentists and doctors are able to closely monitor the patients that are at an increased risk of developing both diseases by assessing medical and family history, X-ray examination, and present medications. Through education, encouragement and medication prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional, tobacco use, unhealthy eating, obesity, and estrogen deficiency can all be successfully balanced.

Please ask your dentist if you have any questions about periodontal disease and its connection with osteoporosis.