A new study suggests that the same estrogen therapy used to treat osteoporosis can lead to healthier teeth and gums.
In association with osteoporosis treatment and severe periodontitis in postmenopausal women, 492 postmenopausal Brazilian women aged 50 to 87 participated in the study. One hundred and thirteen were given osteoporosis treatment and 379 were not treated to determine whether osteoporosis treatment could help increase the bone mineral density in their jaws and, subsequently, improve overall oral health.
The study found that the rate of occurrence of severe periodontitis was 44 percent lower in the postmenopausal osteoporosis-treatment group than in the untreated group.
Treatment consisted of systemic estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin, as well as calcium and vitamin D supplements, for a minimum of six months.
"All women, but especially those with low estrogen or on bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis, should make good dental care a part of their healthy lifestyles," North American Menopause Society Executive Director Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton said.
