Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

Periodontal disease is characterized by a progressive loss of supportive gingival tissue in the gums and jawbone.  It is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world.  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.

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.

Reasons for the Connection

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:

  • Estrogen deficiency – Estrogen deficiency accompanies menopause and also speeds up the progression of oral bone loss.  The lack of estrogen 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 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, the dentist will generally work with the patient’s doctor to ensure that both diseases are effectively controlled.

Here are some methods commonly used to diagnose and treat the diseases:

  • 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.

If you have any questions about periodontal disease and its connection with osteoporosis, please contact our practice.

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

Professional and clean practice with caring doctors and friendly team at Kahala Smile Professionals. They take time to review treatment plans and options until your happy with any decision. They look out for the interest of the patient!

I'm so grateful for Dr. Candace and Robert Wada. I switched to their services after sustaining injury to my face in 2018. After 8hrs in the emergency room, I was sent on my way with a few missing teeth. My dentist was out of town, and a friend referred me to Dr. Wada. My accident and injury was traumatizing enough. Having my teeth repaired the same day by such kind people made a major difference in my recovery.

I love Kahala Smile Professionals!!

Rhonda J

Caring, knowledgeable, using cutting edge technology and professional dentists. Over the past several years, everyone in this office from the receptionists, to the dental hygienists and dentists, care about my over all well being and oral health. From the moment you walk in they've continued to make me feel like family, because they care about my over all health, by remembering me and my needs. Recommending healthy food, flossing and brushing at least twice a day has helped me to not have a cavity for several years. Also Dr. Robert recently made me a mouth piece that I can't sleep with out. He made an excellent fit. The office is very clean, efficient and everyone takes precautions to help me feel safe. With my extremely busy lifestyle, I appreciate the reminders before appointments. I give my highest recommendation of these Dentists.

Jasmine M.

I recently moved here from the mainland and was looking for a Dentist. Upon some research online, I decided on Dr. Candace Wada. My first visit was such a amazing experience, that I actually held off write a review because, I had a second visit soon after and I wanted to see if the service and experience was consistent. Now that I have visited Dr. Wada twice, I can genuine say that this is the best Dental practice that I have ever been to yet. Not only is the staff here extremely pleasant to deal with but they are very helpful with booking the appointments all the way through with follow-ups. Dr. Wada was very knowledgeable, experience and dedicated to her patient. She educate her patient and explains the procedures to them in simple terms, so that her patients fully understands. I never felt pressured during my whole experience and was very appreciative of Dr. Wada recommendations. I am truly happy that I found Dr. Wada and all the professional staff at Kahala Smile Professionals. Keep up the great work!

J. L.

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