CONNECTION BETWEEN OSTEOPOROSIS AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Periodontal diseases and osteoporosis are characterized by significant pathological changes with a dominant metabolic and inflammatory nature. Although periodontal disease results in tooth loss, researchers are still examining the relationship between low bone density and periodontal disease. Also, additional research needs to be done to determine whether the treatment of osteoporosis can also contribute to the health of the alveolar bone. Based on the above mentioned, the main goal of this research was to do a literature review to analyze the correlation of osteoporosis and periodontal disease. An adequate search of the available internet sources for contemporary data was done to fulfill the given aim. It has been noted in the literature that osteoporosis plays a role in the development of periodontitis, since the loss of alveolar bone as a result of osteoporosis can change the development and course of the disease and contribute to greater tooth loss. However, when considering this mutual relationship between the two diseases, other factors, both environmental and from the organism, which can influence these two diseases, should always be taken into account. A strong association between clinical attachment loss and osteoporosis has been documented in the literature. At present, it is still unclear whether there is an inverse interaction of periodontitis with systemic bone remodeling. Osteoporosis and chronic periodontitis are both diseases that develop slowly and have similar characteristics. Osteoporosis is commonly seen in women after menopause, affecting about 50% of them. Women who have gone through menopause also tend to have more severe periodontal disease, with around 30% affected subjects. Fractures of bones from osteoporosis can lead to serious health issues and even death in older adults. Similarly, chronic periodontitis can also be linked to higher death rates in elderly patients, as it might show there are other serious health problems present. Although the pathogenesis and progression of periodontitis are predominantly correlated to the way how person's body interacts with dental plaque which led to gum and periodontal inflammation, affecting the health of their bones. It may be the main link between these two conditions, which can greatly impact the health and amount of bone tissue in the jaw. Healthy bone tissue is inherently susceptible to the remodeling process that occurs permanently, which allows the creation of an adequate quantum of bone tissue with which to replace old bone tissue as a physiological process, which occurs in response to numerous factors, primarily due to the mechanical load present. By fulfilling the aim of the research, we want to find out whether the identifying the initial signs of osteoporosis and conversely whether and how untreated osteoporosis affects periodontal health, by assessing the condition of the alveolar bone.