Over the last 20 years, researchers have found an increasing connection between oral health and systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.  Now, research is pointing in another direction: osteoporosis increases the risk factors for tooth loss and periodontal disease.  Osteoporosis, a disease that decreases bone density and weakens bones, affects 10 million people.  In addition, more than one-third of females over age 65 display signs and symptoms of the disease.

Most individuals inflicted with osteoporosis are not diagnosed until a fracture occurs.  In addition, they are unaware that oral health problems, such as tooth loss and gum disease, are early signs that help their dentist to suspect osteoporosis.  Risk factors for the disease are: age, heredity, calcium deficiency, smoking, menopausal women, excessive caffeine, alcohol and an inactive lifestyle.

Studies are beginning to confirm the connection between osteoporosis and periodontal disease.  What this means to consumers is that in the near future, dentists may be able to detect osteoporosis early signs of the disease right in the office during a routine check-up.  When the dentist observes some of the early warning signs of osteoporosis such as some teeth being loose, the gums are not attached to the teeth, and that dentures do not fit well, dental x-rays will be taken to confirm the diagnosis.  The x-rays will reveal the decrease in the jawbone density and bone around the teeth, as well as the remaining part of the jaws.  These x-rays have the ability to show the amount of bone loss from year to year, signifying advancing stages of the disease. 

This is a significant finding for women, since osteoporosis affects many more women than men.  Hopefully, this study will influence more women to visit their dentists on a regular basis not only for their overall oral health, but for the health of their bones as well. 

Researchers hope that bone loss and its connection to periodontal disease and tooth loss will be treatable with either the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or a mouth rinse.  Newer drugs in the testing stages may help prevent tooth loss in the future.  With the approval of these drugs, dentists will be able to detect osteoporosis and provide treatment, which decreases the risk of tooth loss in older patients. The study also reports that to lower the chances for bone loss, topical solutions may also become available.

For patients with osteoporosis, I encourage them to practice good oral hygiene, to maintain regular dental check ups for frequent dental cleanings, to consume calcium and Vitamin D and add weight training to their exercise regimen.  As with most things, prevention is one of the best “cures”.  Some thoughts to prevent or minimize osteoporosis are:

• Consume calcium daily (women/1200mg, men/800mg, above 65/1500mg)
• Exercise and weight train
• Add Vitamin D to diet
• Quit smoking
• Decrease caffeine and alcohol intake
• Visit a dentist every three to four months if you have signs of the disease
  

I hope you have a glorious holiday season and that all of God’s blessings will come your way!