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 which 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.
