Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

[section section_anchor=”” is_fullwidth=”” padding=”0″ animation=”” animation_delay=”0″ background_color=”” text_color=”” background_image=”” parallax=”0″ auto_generated=”1″ _made_with_builder=”true”][row][column width=”3_4″ animation=”” animation_delay=”0″ _made_with_builder=”true”][special_heading title=”Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis” subtitle=”” heading=”h1″ centered=”” _made_with_builder=”true”][/special_heading][text_block text=”<p align="justify">Periodontal disease is characterized by a progressive loss of supportive gingival tissue in the gums and jawbone.&nbsp; It is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world.&nbsp; Periodontal disease occurs when toxins found in oral plaque inflame and irritate the soft tissues surrounding the teeth.&nbsp; If left untreated, bacteria colonies initially cause the systematic destruction of gum tissue, and then proceed to destroy the underlying bone tissue.</p><p align="justify">Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease which frequently occurs in postmenopausal women, and occurs less frequently in men.&nbsp; Osteoporosis is characterized by bone fragility, low bone mass and a decrease in bone mineral density.&nbsp; Many studies have explored and identified a connection between periodontal disease and osteoporosis.</p><p align="justify">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.</p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Reasons for the Connection</strong></span></p><p align="justify">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:</p><ul><li><div align="justify"><strong>Estrogen deficiency</strong> &ndash; Estrogen deficiency accompanies menopause and also speeds up the progression of oral bone loss.&nbsp; The lack of estrogen accelerates the rate of attachment loss (fibers and tissues which keep the teeth stable are destroyed).</div></li><li><div align="justify"><strong>Low mineral bone density</strong> &ndash; 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.&nbsp; This is why periodontitis can be more progressive in patients with osteoporosis.</div></li></ul><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Diagnosis and Treatment</strong></span></p><p align="justify">Osteoporosis and periodontal disease are much less dangerous if they are diagnosed in the early stages.&nbsp; Once a diagnosis has been made, the dentist will generally work with the patient&rsquo;s doctor to ensure that both diseases are effectively controlled.</p><p align="justify">Here are some methods commonly used to diagnose and treat the diseases:</p><ul><li><div align="justify"><strong>Routine dental X-rays</strong> &ndash; 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.&nbsp; It is believed that minimizing periodontal disease will help treat osteoporosis.</div></li><li><div align="justify"><strong>Estrogen supplements</strong> &ndash; 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.</div></li><li><div align="justify"><strong>Assessment of risk factors</strong> &ndash; 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.&nbsp; Tobacco use, obesity, poor diet and estrogen deficiency can all be managed using a combination of education, support and prescription medications.</div></li></ul><p align="justify"><em>If you have any questions about periodontal disease and its connection with osteoporosis, please contact our practice.</em></p>” _made_with_builder=”true”][/text_block][/column][column width=”1_4″ animation=”” animation_delay=”0″ _made_with_builder=”true”][contact_form_custom form_width=”650″ form_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” form_shortcode=”[contact-form-7 id="7" title="Contact form 1"]” _made_with_builder=”true”][/contact_form_custom][/column][/row][/section]