Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis-Shared Risk Factors and Potentiation of Pathogenic Mechanisms

Purpose of Review Periodontitis and osteoporosis are diseases which exhibit bone loss, quantifiable in the oral cavity and skeleton respectively. Accumulating evidence suggests that the two diseases interact with each other resulting in increased prevalence and more rapid disease progression. This review will explore if recent publications can elucidate the mechanisms by which this occurs. Recent Studies Animal studies suggested that osteoporosis will accelerate the progression and severity of periodontitis. Most human studies have supported this association, mainly based upon radiographic measurements and to a lesser extent on clinical findings. They share several risk factors including age, genetics, hormonal changes, smoking, and calcium and vitamin D deficiency. Intriguingly, therapy aimed at one disease may have a positive impact upon the other disease. Summary This review examined recent literature and found evidence of a bidirectional relationship which facilitates communication in subjects diagnosed with periodontitis and osteoporosis promoting disease severity.