Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

A progressive loss of supporting gingival tissue in the gums and jawbone is a hallmark of periodontal disease. In the developed world, it is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Toxins included in dental plaque cause the soft tissues lining the teeth to become inflamed and irritated, which results in periodontal disease.

Bacterial colonies, if left untreated, first cause the systematic breakdown of gum tissue before moving on to harm the underlying bone tissue.

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease that is more prevalent in postmenopausal women than in men. Bone fragility, reduced bone mass, and a decline in bone mineral density are the hallmarks of osteoporosis. Numerous investigations have looked at and discovered a link between osteoporosis and periodontal disease.

According to a 1995 study from the University of New York at Buffalo, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis had an 86% increased risk of developing periodontal disease.

Motives for the Relationship

Even though further research is needed to determine how closely osteoporosis and periodontal disease are related, the researchers have so far drawn the following conclusions:

Oestrogen shortage: Oestrogen deficiency is a side effect of menopause and has been linked to accelerated oral bone loss. The rate of attachment loss (the destruction of the fibres and tissues that support the teeth) is accelerated by the absence of oestrogen.Low mineral bone density is one of the possible causes of osteoporosis, and periodontal disease's inflammation renders fragile bones more vulnerable to fracture. This is why patients with osteoporosis may experience a faster progression of periodontitis.

Identification and Therapy

If osteoporosis and periodontal disease are detected early on, they are substantially less hazardous. Once both disorders have been identified, the dentist will typically collaborate with the patient's physician to ensure that they are appropriately managed.

The following techniques are frequently used to identify and treat diseases:

Routine dental X-rays: The dentist can offer strategies for preventing and treating periodontal disease, and X-rays can be utilised to efficiently screen for bone loss in the upper and lower jaws. It is thought that reducing periodontal disease will aid in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Oestrogen supplements: Giving oestrogen supplements to postmenopausal women reduces the rate of attachment loss and gingival inflammation, both of which protect the teeth against periodontal disease.

Evaluation of risk factors: By evaluating a patient's family history, medical history, X-ray results, current medications, and modifiable risk factors, dentists and doctors are able to closely follow patients who are at an elevated risk of acquiring both illnesses. Treatment options for oestrogen deficiency, obesity, poor diet, and tobacco use include education, counselling, and prescription medicine.