Nelson Vergel
Founder, ExcelMale.com
Estrogen Therapy Effective in Reducing Tooth, Gum Diseases in Postmenopausal Women
February 22, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- February 22, 2017 -- Oestrogen therapy used to treat osteoporosis can actually lead to healthier teeth and gums, according to a study published online in the journal Menopause.
As oestrogen levels fall during menopause, women become more vulnerable to numerous health issues. Besides loss of bone mineral density (BMD), changes in oral health also are common as teeth and gums become more susceptible to disease, which can lead to inflammation, pain, bleeding, and loose or missing teeth.
For the current study, 492 postmenopausal Brazilian women aged 50 to 87 years were evaluated to determine whether osteoporosis treatment could help increase the BMD in their jaws and, subsequently, improve overall oral health. Of the women, 113 were receiving osteoporosis treatment and 379 were not.
Treatment consisted of systemic oestrogen alone or oestrogen plus progestin, as well as calcium and vitamin D supplements, for a minimum of 6 months.
The study found that the rate of occurrence of severe periodontitis was 44% lower in the treatment group than in the untreated group.
“Osteoporosis can occur throughout the body, including the jaw, and lead to an increased risk of periodontal disease,” said JoAnn Pinkerton, MD, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia. “This study demonstrates that oestrogen therapy, which has proven to be effective in preventing bone loss, may also prevent the worsening of tooth and gum disease.”
“All women, but especially those with low oestrogen or on bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis, should make good dental care a part of their healthy lifestyles,” she added.
SOURCE: North American Menopause Society
February 22, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- February 22, 2017 -- Oestrogen therapy used to treat osteoporosis can actually lead to healthier teeth and gums, according to a study published online in the journal Menopause.
As oestrogen levels fall during menopause, women become more vulnerable to numerous health issues. Besides loss of bone mineral density (BMD), changes in oral health also are common as teeth and gums become more susceptible to disease, which can lead to inflammation, pain, bleeding, and loose or missing teeth.
For the current study, 492 postmenopausal Brazilian women aged 50 to 87 years were evaluated to determine whether osteoporosis treatment could help increase the BMD in their jaws and, subsequently, improve overall oral health. Of the women, 113 were receiving osteoporosis treatment and 379 were not.
Treatment consisted of systemic oestrogen alone or oestrogen plus progestin, as well as calcium and vitamin D supplements, for a minimum of 6 months.
The study found that the rate of occurrence of severe periodontitis was 44% lower in the treatment group than in the untreated group.
“Osteoporosis can occur throughout the body, including the jaw, and lead to an increased risk of periodontal disease,” said JoAnn Pinkerton, MD, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia. “This study demonstrates that oestrogen therapy, which has proven to be effective in preventing bone loss, may also prevent the worsening of tooth and gum disease.”
“All women, but especially those with low oestrogen or on bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis, should make good dental care a part of their healthy lifestyles,” she added.
SOURCE: North American Menopause Society
