title: The association between osteoporosis and oral bone loss.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteoporosis and osteopenia are characterized by reductions in bone mass and may lead to skeletal fragility and fracture. The purpose of this paper is to review studies to determine the relationship between oral bone loss and osteoporosis. In addition, the major modes of therapy for osteoporosis are discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this convenience review, papers studying the possible correlation between oral bone loss and osteoporosis in humans, written in the English language since 1983, were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The methods used to assess oral and systemic bone varied greatly from study to study. Therefore, the results were not amenable to meta-analysis. Thirteen of the 15 studies did show a positive correlation between systemic bone mass and oral bone mass (or bone loss).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Studies to date indicate a possible correlation between systemic and oral bone loss.
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. jeffcoat@dental.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Marjorie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jeffcoat
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000367:Age Factors; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital; D012307:Risk Factors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium