Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the scientific evidence, examining the relationship between postmenopausal osteoporosis and periodontal disease, and to determine if the relationship is causal or casual. A total of 8 electronic databases were searched to identify studies that included the following keywords: osteoporosis, periodontal disease, alveolar bone loss, estrogen deficiency, tooth loss and postmenopausal. Relevant abstracts were retrieved and critically evaluated. Based on the inclusion criteria of dentate postmenopausal women, selected articles were identified to read for more thorough examination. Of the 5 longitudinal studies reviewed, 4 (80%) showed an association between osteoporosis and periodontal disease. A relationship between the 2 diseases was demonstrated in 20 (80%) of the 25 cross-sectional studies. All 3 of the case-control studies showed an association. These data suggest a positive association between osteoporosis and periodontal disease. Determining whether this relationship is causal will require more longitudinal studies. Based on these findings, it is recommended that medical and dental professionals enhance their collaborative actions for prevention, evaluation and treatment of oral diseases and osteoporosis, in order to improve the health of these postmenopausal women.
Footnotes
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Diane Z. Dodd, RDH, MS is a former student at the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She is a lifelong ADHA member. She is currently employed in private practice and volunteers in the Mount Diablo Adults with Disabilities Programs. Dorothy J. Rowe, RDH, MS, PhD is an associate professor emeritus, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, University of California, San Francisco.
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This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Clinical Dental Hygiene Care: Investigate the links between oral and systemic health.
- Copyright © 2013 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association
