Establishing the Link between Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

Gum disease starts with seemingly innocuous symptoms like gum redness, bleeding, and tenderness. However, periodontal disease leaves a trail of destruction in the body when allowed to progress.

Did you know periodontal disease and osteoporosis are interlinked? It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Anyone with one or both conditions should learn about the correlation between the two for better management. Keep reading as Kelli Brady DDS expounds on the relationship between gum disease and osteoporosis.

Understanding periodontal disease and osteoporosis

Periodontal disease occurs when the harmful bacteria in the oral microbiome inflame the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. If left unchecked, the bacteria colonies damage the gingival tissues and erode the underlying bone.

Osteoporosis is a bone metabolism disease characterized by decreased bone density and mass, leading to weak and brittle bones prone to fractures. Although this disease can affect anyone, it’s common in postmenopausal women and patients with poor genetics and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Establishing the link between osteoporosis and periodontal disease

While studies are still underway to establish the direct link between osteoporosis and gum disease, concluded studies have made the following connections:

  • Bone loss: Osteoporosis can reduce bone density in the jawbone, which supports the teeth. This weakening of the jawbone can exacerbate the effects of periodontal disease, as the bone is less able to withstand the bacterial attack that characterizes periodontitis.
  • Estrogen deficiency: Postmenopausal women are at higher risk for both osteoporosis and periodontal disease due to decreased estrogen levels. Estrogen is crucial in maintaining fibers and tissues that bind the teeth-supporting structures together. For patients with estrogen deficiency, they become susceptible to bone loss and poor response to inflammatory attacks.
  • Inflammation: Uncontrolled periodontal disease causes inflammatory flare-ups in the body. Increased inflammation affects bone metabolism, exacerbating bone loss in osteoporosis patients.

Treating gum disease is critical to optimal health

While more research is needed to establish the interconnectedness between periodontal disease and osteoporosis, it is clear that gum disease can cause significant damage. The effects are even worse in patients with underlying conditions like osteoporosis.

Dr. Kelli Brady, always look out for your whole-body health. So, if you have gum disease and risk factors for osteoporosis, we’ll ask you when your bone health was last checked. In the meantime, we’ll emphasize optimal oral hygiene to keep your smile infection-free. And if gum disease is already present, we’ll devise a treatment plan to restore your health as quickly as possible.

Periodontal care near me

The gum disease-osteoporosis link is just one example of the mouth-body connection. If you have more questions about your oral health and its effects on your overall wellness, contact any of our offices in Norwood, New Jersey (201) 806-6866 or New York, NY (646) 692-0227.