Two studies suggest that periodontal diseases are a threat to women of all ages due to hormonal fluctuations
that occur at various stages of their lives...
Periodontal Diseases Are Blind to Age
Two studies suggest that periodontal diseases should be a concern to women of all ages
CHICAGO—June 12, 2007—Two studies in the June 2007 issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) suggest that periodontal diseases are
a threat to women of all ages due to hormonal fluctuations that occur at various stages of their lives.
One study looked at 50 women who were between the ages of 20 to 35 with varying forms of periodontitis. The study found that
women who currently were taking oral contraceptive pills had more gingival bleeding upon probing and deeper periodontal pockets
(signs of periodontitis) than those who were not taking oral contraceptive pills.
Study Abstract *
“Younger women often think that periodontal disease is a condition associated with old age,” explained study author Brian Mullally,
PhD. “Our study shows that it is very possible for younger women to experience periodontal disease. It is important for women
to alert their dental practitioners about any medications they are taking, such as oral contraceptive pills, because it is possible that
their oral health may be affected. It might also be prudent where possible for young women to ensure that their periodontal health has
been checked before commencing oral contraceptive therapy.”
Another study in this month’s issue of the JOP examined 1,256 postmenopausal women and looked for a potential association between periodontal
bacteria and bone loss in the oral cavity. The study results showed that women with periodontal bacteria in their mouths were also more likely
to have bone loss in the oral cavity, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated.
Study Abstract *
“Our study’s findings are important for postmenopausal women because they suggest that good periodontal health is extremely important in
the postmenopausal years,” said study author Renee Brennan, PhD. “We found that oral bone loss was associated with presence
of oral bacteria. In fact, 62% of the women in our study had at least one species of subgingival bacteria present, and the
women with these bacteria had more evidence of oral bone loss. Interestingly, women who had a Body Mass Index in the overweight range were
much more likely to have oral bone loss associated with presence of oral bacteria. Oral bone loss has been associated with osteoporosis in
this group as well. This association has been difficult to study because many risk factors for periodontal disease and
osteoporosis—including smoking, age, medications, and overall general health—are similar. It should be noted that our
study was limited in that it included a relatively healthy group of mostly Caucasian women and that future studies are needed to determine the
effects of periodontal bacteria on bone loss in other groups of postmenopausal women.”
“Taking care of your teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment,” explained Preston D. Miller,
DDS and AAP president. “Women should pay special attention to their oral health as they enter different stages of
their lives because additional periodontal care may be needed during different points such as the reproductive years or menopause.
Knowing your ‘pocket size’ depth can be a good way for women to keep track of their periodontal health; periodontal pockets of one to two
millimeters with no bleeding are not a concern but pockets of three and four millimeters may need a more in depth cleaning called scaling and
root planing.”
* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the studies
Current Oral Contraceptive Status and Periodontitis in Young Adults
and Bacterial Species in Subgingival Plaque and Oral Bone Loss in
Postmenopausal Women. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may
be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online.
About the AAP
The
American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists—specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,400 members worldwide.
Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy’s risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.
Media Only
To schedule an interview with an AAP spokesperson or for more information, please contact Meg Dempsey at
312-573-3242 or
meg@perio.org.
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