Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a minor fall or sudden impact causes a bone fracture.

Risk factors for osteoporosis are age, gender (osteoporosis is most prevalent in postmenopausal women), low weight, ethnicity (white and Asian women are at higher risk), genetics, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, smoking and insufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D.

The exact relationship between osteoporosis and gum diseases is not understood, but we do know that they share some of the same risk factors, such as smoking, age, family history and hormonal fluctuations/disruption. The inflammation present in the blood due to gum disease could add to the bone damage linked with osteoporosis.

Professional treatment of gum disease and good oral hygiene will result in a healthier mouth with less inflammation, which is a benefit to everyone.