Everyone or almost everyone knows that menopause can cause bone loss which can lead to osteoporosis. Some people, women in particular who are slim, small boned, Caucasian and blue eyed may be more prone to osteoporosis. Chemotherapy is notorious for causing bone loss as a side effect.
What many people don’t know about is the relationship between bone loss and periodontitis. Dentists have recognized this for years. They haven’t been keeping it a secret at all. In fact according to the ‘American Academy of Periodontology’ mild to moderate periodontitis affects a majority of adults. Overtime infection can cause inflammation in the bone causing it to erode and undermine the attachment of teeth. In other words your smile starts to look rather wobbly and your teeth could fall out. More reason not to miss a visit to the Dentist.
Dr. Wang of UCLA is doing some great molecular science with finding ways to nudge cells to make new bones. In a paper in the on-line edition of the Journal of ‘Nature Medicine’, the dental and medical communities involved in bone loss are calling this a “landmark paper”.
We can do weight bearing exercise for our body’s bones, but what about the bones in mouth? Dr. Wang is giving hope for the millions who struggle with osteoporosis and periodontitis every day. Look Mom no Periodontitis!
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/article/21188