A Study to Assess and Correlate Osteoporosis and Periodontitis in Selected Population of Maharashtra

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and increased risk for fracture. It has been proposed as a possible risk factor for periodontal disease progression. Recent literature has shown periodontitis to be a risk indicator for osteoporosis, suggesting a possible two way relationship. However the association between these two diseases still remains unclear leading to a scope of further research in this area.

The aim of the present study was to assess and Correlate the severity of osteoporosis and periodontitis by using variables like probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, plaque index, body mass index and bone mineral density.

A total of 65 subjects aged between 45-75 years suffering from periodontitis were considered. All subjects were assessed for periodontal disease severity by plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). The bone mineral density (BMD) of patients was assessed using dual energy X- ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine (L1 - L4). The severity of periodontal disease was correlated with severity of osteoporosis. Descriptive statistics like frequency and percentage were calculated for all the variables. Chi-square test was performed to assess the association between the study variables.

Among the entire group 78.46% had high plaque index score, and the severity of periodontitis increased with increase in plaque index score showing a statistical significance. Osteopenia was observed in 25.33% of the subjects, out of whom 63.15% suffered from severe periodontitis. Osteoporosis was observed in 17.33% of the subjects, and all the subjects (100%) suffered from severe periodontitis.

The results of the present study suggest that increasing severity of periodontitis increased the risk of osteoporosis and vice versa. We conclude that there is a definite association between periodontitis and osteoporosis.