Postmenopausal women at risk of tooth loss

The combination of gum disease and thinning bones might increase the risk of tooth loss in postmenopausal women. Researchers from the University of Buffalo in New York conducted a study on 106 postmenopausal women and found that those with greater deterioration in the bones supporting the teeth were more likely to lose a tooth to periodontal disease over the next 10 to 13 years. Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Gum disease is common among older people, and in severe cases can lead to tooth loss. After menopause, women have additional unique factors, including dips in oestrogen and bone density, that further increases their risk of tooth loss. Since postmenopausal women lose bone at an increased rate, control of periodontal disease can significantly reduce their tooth loss.

Periodontal disease arises when bacteria in the sticky plaque that forms on teeth infects the gums, causing them to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. Eventually, the bone and connective tissue holding the teeth in place may start to break down. More than 57 percent of women lost at least one tooth during the follow-up period. The researchers found that the top risk factor for tooth loss was the degree of deterioration in the alveolar bones, which support the teeth. A woman's risk of tooth loss tripled with each millimetre in alveolar bone loss she had at the study's outset.

The early, reversible stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Signs of that include reddening, swelling or bleeding in the gums.
The findings highlight the importance of treating women's gum disease early on. Periodontal disease is a silent disease and does not get noticed usually until late stages, since it is not usually painful. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups can go a long way toward preventing tooth loss, particularly after menopause.

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