Link between Gum Disease and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes a reduction in bone mass throughout the body, and although most people don’t realize it- this bone loss can also include the bones in the jaw. When bone mass in the jaw decreases substantially, it can no longer provide a stable anchor to support teeth and subsequent tooth loss occurs.

Studies on postmenopausal women have also shown that the existence of periodontal bacteria in the mouth can increase the chances of oral bone loss, thus increasing the likelihood of losing teeth. If women are able to control periodontal disease, they can lessen the probability of experiencing tooth loss.

Further, an estrogen deficiency coupled with the presence of osteoporosis, results in an accelerated rate of bone loss in the mouth after menopause. Thus, estrogen supplements used within a five-year period of the onset of menopause have been shown to slow down the progression of periodontal disease.

If you are taking any type of medication for osteoporosis, you may want to talk to both your doctor and your dentist to see what they advise as a safe course of action for treating osteoporosis as well as preserving your dental health.

Source: Cosmetic Dentist North Hollywood

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