Relationship between periodontal disease, tooth loss, and osteoporosis

In this chapter, we discuss the epidemiology of periodontal disease and review previous literature investigating the relationship of periodontal disease, tooth loss (TL), and/or edentulism with osteoporosis. Periodontal disease and osteoporosis are highly prevalent conditions, especially in aging adults. Both conditions are associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and/or bone tissue degradation, and they share common risk factors. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition caused by the dysbiosis of pathogenic oral bacteria that leads to destructive loss of tissue and alveolar bone surrounding the teeth. A number of studies, largely representing cross-sectional associations, have assessed the association between periodontal disease and TL and their relation to osteoporosis and BMD. Although gaps in the literature remain, there is evidence to suggest that a relationship exists.