Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

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 contact our practice.

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Testimonials

I love Dr. Asai! He's been my dentist for probably 20 years now, (since I started losing my teeth)! He is very good at explaining dental procedures, how to prevent decay, how to clean teeth, etc. He gives excellent referrals (to oral surgeons to get my wisdome teeth out, to pediatric dentists for my 4 year old--Young Smiles in Fremont, which I will also review). I drive all the way from San Jose to still see him. Well worth the drive.

The hygenist can be kind of rough, (could have been due to my LONG OVERDUE cleaning), but she did offer some numbing gel.

The rest of the staff is courteous too. They set up your next appointment there or have you fill out a reminder card which they mail so you can set it up around that time.

Highly recommended.

Rita F.

I have been a patient of Dr. Asai's for 24 years. When he took over my old dentist's practice I was scared to death. I have very sensitive teeth. After my first visit I knew I was in good hands. Dr. Asai is very conscious of the comfort of his patients and goes out of his way to make everything is as painless as possible. Dr. Asai is up to date with the latest equipment and practices in dentistry. He has exceptional hygienists also. One, after examining my gums, suggested I get my sugar level checked and saved me from consequences of undiagnosed diabetes. When I have needed periodontal or endodontal care Dr. Asai has provided space for the specialists in his office so I was not inconvenienced. I highly recommend this dentist with his excellent dental and office staff.

Doris A.

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