Soon after I went through menopause, and quite a few years before I had a dexascan and found that I had low bone density, I began having periodontal problems – gum recession, bleeding when my teeth were cleaned, etc. This was surprising since I had good preventive dental health care at home and with my dentist. I found out years later that this was an early warning of poor bone density. I wish I had known.
Here’s an excerpt from the American Academy of Peridontology to further illuminate the relationship between bone density and teeth.
Special Concerns for Women
Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their mouths.
Estrogen deficiency could place post-menopausal women at higher risk for severe periodontal disease and tooth loss.
In addition, hormonal changes in older women may result in discomfort in the mouth, including dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour.
Menopausal gingivostomatitis affects a small percentage of women. Gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red mark this condition.
Bone loss is associated with both periodontal disease and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis could lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased. More research is being done to determine if and how a relationship between osteoporosis and periodontal disease exists.