[Periodontal disease in women in post-menopause and its relationship with osteoporosis].

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between periodontitis and osteoporosis, using a case-control study about periodontal status of postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A total of 99 postmenopausal women were divided into three groups: normal bone (Gn, n=45), osteopenia (Gpenia, n=31) and osteoporosis (Gporosis, n=23). The categorization of bone mass was measured by dual energy absorptiometry with X-rays in the lumbar spine (L2 - L4), by assessing bone mineral density. Clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival bleeding index (GI), plaque index (PI), and probing depth (PD) were determined in all participants by a single examiner. The data were submitted to BioEstat 2.0 software through parametric analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni test, with the level of significance set at 5%.

RESULTS

Women with osteoporosis presented the highest percentage of periodontal disease, with higher average CAL (2.6±0.4 mm) and PD (2.8±0.6 mm), GI (72.8±25.9 mm) and PI (72.9±24.2 mm). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in periodontal situation between Gn and Gporosis (p=0,01) and between Gpenia and Gporosis (p=0,03).

CONCLUSION

Osteoporosis may have an influence on periodontal condition, based on the relation between periodontitis and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.