Gum Disease and How It Is Linked to Osteoporosis

You may have heard of osteoporosis, a disease of the bones that primarily affects older women. This loss of bone density can cause many problems, including a “hunchback” appearance and weak bones that are brittle and break easily. Did you also know that osteoporosis has been linked to gum disease?

It may seem strange to consider osteoporosis and gum disease as having a common feature, but the link has been clearly established by research. A study in the June, 2007, issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), which is devoted to the study of gum disease, states that periodontal disease has been linked to bone loss in the jaw. The study focused on post-menopausal women, and found that those with significantly more bacteria from gum disease had far greater jaw bone loss, which in turn led to tooth loss.

Another study by the same journal also showed that estrogen supplements during the first five years after menopause significantly contributed to a slowing of periodontal disease. Apparently, the loss of estrogen during menopause causes a much faster loss of bone density in the jaw. This in turn leads to tooth loss and gingival inflammation. However, by giving estrogen supplement therapy, case studies shows that the loss of bone density and tooth loss was slowed.

Any woman of menopausal age should talk to her dentist about bone loss and its effect on the gums. Further, younger women can also help prevent this problem by brushing and flossing regularly, which keeps teeth and gums healthy, and supplementing the diet with calcium, which helps build stronger bones. Periodontic treatments are also available to treat any gum infections, and cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry treatments can repair any damage to the teeth and gums.

Source: Los Angeles Dentist
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