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Abstract
Objective To investigate the possible association between periodontal changes and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women through a longitudinal study.
Methods This longitudinal study included 33 patients. The participants were divided into three groups according to the bone mineral density assessed in the lumbar region: normal bone (G1, n = 15), osteopenia (G2, n = 12) and osteoporosis (G3, n = 6). Periodontal evaluation included clinical attachment level, probing depth, gingival bleeding index and visible plaque index, evaluated by two examiners blinded to systemic bone condition. The statistical process included the t-test for paired samples, with a significance level of 5% to check for changes in periodontal parameters considered at initial and final systemic bone density.
Results The results showed that, after follow-up, there was a significant increase in gingival bleeding index in the group of women who had normal initial bone condition and progressed to osteopenia (after 3 years, 59.89%, p = 0.010) and osteoporosis (after 3 years, 74.37%, p = 0.035). In addition, the group diagnosed with osteopenia at baseline who progressed to osteoporosis after 3 years also showed a significant increase in gingival bleeding index (p < 0.001).
Conclusions The findings suggest that periodontal changes can be associated with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Conflict of interest The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.
Source of funding Nil.