Periodontitis and osteoporosis: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Oral Health
• Bone Metabolism

Background:

• Osteoporosis and periodontitis are prevalent conditions affecting aging individuals.
• A potential link between these two disorders has been hypothesized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if osteoporosis in the jaw is a local sign of systemic bone loss or an independent condition linked to periodontitis.
• To explore shared etiologies and risk factors between systemic bone loss and periodontal disease.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of clinical trials was conducted.
• Literature searches included Internet search engines, MEDLINE (1966-2009), and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register.

Main Results:

• 145 studies on osteoporosis-periodontitis were identified; 35 were selected.
• Radiological findings of jawbone loss correlated positively with osteoporosis in most studies (18/21).
• Clinical periodontal examinations yielded inconclusive results (6/11 positive correlation).

Conclusions:

• Most studies indicate a relationship between osteoporosis and periodontitis.
• Further rigorous studies are required to clarify the connection between systemic and oral bone loss.
• Dentists may potentially provide early warnings for osteoporosis risk.