A Broadway Dentistry hygienist smiling as she talks with a patient in the chair before a cleaning in Fort Wayne

Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

Periodontal disease is the progressive loss of supporting gum tissue and jawbone, and the number one cause of adult tooth loss in the developed world. Many studies have found a connection between it and osteoporosis.

Two diseases that affect bone

Periodontal disease starts when plaque toxins inflame the soft tissue around the teeth; left untreated, the bacteria destroy the gums and then the underlying bone. Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease, frequent in postmenopausal women and less so in men, marked by fragile bones, low bone mass and lower bone mineral density. A 1995 study at the University of New York at Buffalo found that post-menopausal women with osteoporosis were 86% more likely to also develop periodontal disease.

A patient talking with a team member in the chair during a dental exam visit at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne

Reasons for the connection

Research is ongoing, but so far it points to:

Estrogen deficiencyIt accompanies menopause and speeds oral bone loss and attachment loss (destruction of the fibers and tissue that keep teeth stable).
Low bone mineral densityOne of several causes of osteoporosis; inflammation from periodontal disease makes weakened bone break down faster, so periodontitis can progress more quickly.

A smiling patient in the chair at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, which offers cosmetic dentistry and whitening

Dr. Denise Acosta and a team member laughing with a young patient in a treatment room at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, where fillings and crowns are done

Diagnosis and treatment

Both diseases are much less dangerous when caught early. After diagnosis, the dentist generally works with the patient’s doctor to keep both under control.

Routine dental X-raysX-rays screen for bone loss in the jaws so the dentist can prevent and treat periodontal disease, which is believed to help treat osteoporosis.
Estrogen supplementsFor post-menopausal women, these lower attachment loss and gum inflammation, protecting teeth from periodontal disease.
Assessment of risk factorsDentists and doctors monitor at-risk patients using family and medical history, X-rays and medications. Tobacco use, obesity, poor diet and estrogen deficiency can be managed with education, support and prescription medications.

If you have questions about periodontal disease and osteoporosis, please contact our office.