Osteoporosis and the risk of tooth loss.

Osteoporosis and osteopenia may influence periodontal disease and tooth loss. Although many studies suggest that in elderly men and women, maintenance of normal bone mineral density is associated with improved tooth retention, the evidence is still inconclusive. Hormone replacement therapy and calcium and vitamin D supplements that are used to prevent or treat osteoporosis appear to have beneficial effects on tooth retention as well. Future prospective studies, including randomized clinical trials, are needed to confirm these findings.