Nearly 33 percent of all Americans over the age of 65 will experience some tooth loss in their lifetime. Several new research studies support the theory that there is a connection between skeletal diseases like osteoporosis, and tooth loss and other oral health concerns.
Osteoporosis is marked by a decrease in bone density and quality. As bone mass begins to deteriorate, bones begin to weaken. Bones affected by osteoporosis are at increased risk for fracture, even due to minor falls. Women are much more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men. One in three women will receive a fracture related to osteoporosis during her life, compared to just one in five men, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. Menopause, low body weight, family history, and smoking are all major risk factors for osteoporosis.
Though most people associate knee and hip injuries with osteoporosis and other bone diseases, doctors are urging their patients to use their dentists as the first line of defense in both diagnosing and treating bone density loss.
New research has indicated that osteoporosis can lead to decreased bone mass in the jaw bone, which can cause tooth decay and loss. Osteoporosis is also connected to periodontal disease, which attacks the gums and can lead to infections that lead to tooth loss.
