Osteoporosis and periodontitis: is there a possible link?

Periodontitis and osteoporosis are two diseases found worldwide having the main characteristic of increasing intensity with age. Periodontitis is associated with resorption of the alveolar bone. Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss leading to structural bone transformation. The association between periodontitis and osteoporosis is continually being examined. The aim of this study is to examine the condition of periodontal tissues in patients suffering from osteoporosis and establish a possible link.

Cross-sectional study with 200 samples having test (n = 100) and control group (n = 100) were checked for periodontal condition. A total of 100 patients diagnosed as having osteoporosis based on bone mineral density at distal end of radius were regarded as test group and 100 subjects included in control group were healthy. Periodontal parameters measured were plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Statistical test performed were Student's paired t-test and unpaired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Probing depth and CAL were significantly negatively co-related with T-score in test group when compared with control group. This meant an inverse relationship in between the T-score and the clinical parameters, PD and CAL. Furthermore, some difference was noted in test group in PI, GI and PD, CAL and T-score when compared with the controls.

Thus, we conclude that there is a definite relationship between osteoporosis and periodontitis based on PD and CAL.