Gum Disease & Osteoporosis

Gum (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.? Researchers have made the following connections:

Estrogen/Oestrogen Deficiency
Oestrogen deficiency accompanies menopause and also speeds up the progression of oral bone loss. The lack of oestrogen 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 gum disease (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,our dentist will generally work with your doctor to ensure that both diseases are effectively controlled.

Methods commonly used to diagnose and treat the diseases:

Before and after periodontal treatment
Before and after periodontal treatment, the dentist and hygienist will recommend proper home care and oral maintenance as well as prescribing prescription mouthwashes which serve to deter further bacteria colonization.

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.