Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common condition that is characterized by the loss of bone density over time. Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, or when the body absorbs too much old bone. The leading cause of osteoporosis is a drop in estrogen in menopausal women, or a drop in testosterone among men. 

Because periodontal disease can also lead to bone loss, the two diseases have been studied for possible connections. Research has shown that people who suffer from osteoporosis are more likely to also develop periodontal disease.

One of the reasons for the connection between osteoporosis and periodontal disease is an estrogen deficiency. Estrogen deficiency speeds up the progression of both oral bone loss and other bone loss. 

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, it is extremely important to take preventative measures against periodontal disease to protect your teeth and bones of the jaw.