Tooth loss and osteoporosis

• Objectives: To test the relationship between the number of existing teeth (3rd molars and impacted teeth excluded) and the Bone Mineral Density (BMD). Methods: The study entailed perimenopausal and postmenopausal subjects (age 45-70 years). The BMD at three different sites (standardized total hip t-score, standardized femoral neck t-score and standardized lumbar spine t-score) was measured using DXA. The subjects received a panoramic radiograph and their medical history was evaluated. The number of existing teeth was calculated using the panoramic radiographs and the relation between the BMD and the number of existing teeth in different age groups of the subjects was examined.The equation introduced by Taguchi et al (1995) for calculating the probability of osteoporosis using two variables (age and number of existing teeth) Pv =1/(1+e-z) was also applied and assessed. Results: Data of 178 subjects (mean age 54,38 y; sd =6,32y) were available for analysis. Patients with a standardized t-score value less than -2.5 at any of the three sites were classified as osteoporotic. Those with a score above this were classified as normal or osteopenic. When osteoporosis was diagnosed at any of the three sites, there were fewer existing teeth (mean 18,47 ,95% CI;15,89 to 21,05) compared with normal (mean 21,24, 95% CI; 19.96 to 22,53) and osteopenic subjects (mean 19,97 95% CI;18,58 to 21,37). The results approaches statistical significance. Conclusions: It seems that there is a relationship between the number of remaining teeth and BMD.This work was supported by a research and technological development project grant from the European Commission FP5 'Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources' (QLK6-2002-02243).

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

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