Bone Abstracts

Aging is associated with a loss of systemic bone mass and an increased risk of especially the spine and hip. Therefore bone loss of teeth and ridge resorption can occur in the mouth. However, results of several studies investing association between systemic bone density and oral health have varied. In this study, we investigated the relationship between osteoporosis and dental caries with the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted in 2008–2010 in the Korean population.

This cross-sectional study is based on the body composition data and dental examination data acquired in the KNHANES. Among them, we analyzed 1803 women aged over 65 years old selected in all the 16 administrative districts of South Korea. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine was measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry. And a dentist conducted a complete oral health examination.

The prevalence of dental caries in osteopenia (27%, P<0.001) and osteoporosis groups (26%, P<0.001) is higher than the prevalence of dental cries in normal BMD group (14%). Results were adjusted for age, body weight, cigarette smoking, and alcohol. Comparing with normal group, osteopenia and osteoporosis group increased dental caries risk (respectively, odd ratios (ORs)=2.178, 95% CI=1.266–3.747 and ORs=2.075, 95% CI=1.209–3.561).

Our results provide evidence of an association between osteoporosis and dental caries in aging women (>65 years). The associations between bone density, and dental health require further research, particularly in longitudinal studies.