The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

Although the direct effect of periodontal disease on osteoporosis is unknown, secondary effects are well documented. When bone density decreases as it does when one suffers from chronic osteoporosis, the bone density surrounding our teeth is affected in the same way. A recent study conducted in Buffalo, New York actually found that post-menopausal women suffering from osteoporosis were 86% more likely to develop gum disease than individuals who are post-menopausal without osteoporosis. So what’s the mouth-body link? The Denver-area periodontists at Periodontal Associates, serving Aurora, Littleton and beyond, have some theories.

The Breakdown of Bone

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone condition in which bones become less dense due to lack of mineral density and increased bodily breakdown. Typically estrogen deficiency accompanied by menopause leads women to be more susceptible to this condition than men. When less estrogen is present to control bone turnover rate, the bone is more susceptible to breakage and loss. Since the hallmark sign of periodontal disease is the breakdown of bone and ligaments connecting a tooth to the jawbone, if someone has low bone density, there will be a larger amount of destruction of their bone when inflammation occurs. This leads to a greater amount of destruction when periodontal disease is present within the oral cavity.

Routine dental X-rays and checkups from your dentist and primary care physician can detect early stages of bone loss and potential risks for gum disease. Catching these predisposing signs early can really pay off in the long run when you have more teeth to chew with.