Significant association between skeletal bone mineral density and moderate to severe periodontitis in fair oral hygiene individuals

Aim

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between skeletal bone mineral density (BMD) and periodontitis in Thai adults and elders.

Methods

This study comprised 3282 participants aged 30-82 years. BMD was assessed at 3 skeletal sites using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Each participant's BMD status was classified as normal, osteopenia or osteoporosis. Periodontal assessments were the number of remaining teeth, plaque score, probing depth and clinical attachment level (CAL). The participants were classified into no/mild or moderate/severe periodontitis groups. The mean periodontal variables between BMD categories were compared. The association between the BMD status and moderate/severe periodontitis was analyzed using binary logistic regression.

Results

Among the BMD categories, the greatest mean CAL and the lowest mean number of remaining teeth were found in the osteoporosis group. The mean CAL difference between the osteoporosis and normal BMD groups was 0.3 mm. In 337 participants with a plaque score of less than 40%, there was a significant association between osteoporosis and moderate/severe periodontitis.

Conclusion

Skeletal BMD in the osteoporosis range was associated with moderate/severe periodontitis in individuals with fair oral hygiene, suggesting the benefit of special attention to the skeletal bone health of these individuals.