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

This is by far the finest practice I have ever been to. The Staff and Doctors are so caring, empathetic and efficient, making going to the Dentist a pleasant experience. I LOVE THIS PRACTICE! Dr. Wetherbee and Dr. Ahmed and the front desk staff, especially Kelley, Katie and Joan are all fantastic! I refer every friend I have to this practice.

Jayne Shamon Carver, MA

Being nervous about going to the Dentist, as I always have been, along with seeing a new Dentist for the first time in five years, I was not sure what to expect when arriving at Cranberry Dental Associates, today. My experience was nothing less than perfect. The front desk ladies were amazingly friendly and relaxed. Ashley, the Dental Assistant, was attentive and intelligent. Dr Ahmed was OUTSTANDING! I am glad I decided to come here!

Susannah Murphy Plymouth, MA

I was away at college and in the middle of the night experienced severe pain from an abscessed tooth and called our family's dental office emergency number. Unbelievably someone responded, immediately discussed my problem over the phone with me and arranged for me to be treated first thing in the morning and taken out of pain. Ultimately, I was referred to a specialist for root canal treatment. When I became nervous and uncomfortable with the endodontist, the doctor at Cranberry Dental interceded and completed the treatment himself. I am amazed at how responsive, compassionate and skillful they are and consider myself fortunate to have found Cranberry Dental Associates.

Nicole Tsina, Carver, MA

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Contact Us. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.