Osteoporosis, a disease that decreases bone density and weakens bones, affects 10 million people. In addition, more than one-third of females over age 65 display signs and symptoms of the disease.

Most individuals inflicted with osteoporosis are not diagnosed until a fracture occurs. In addition, they are unaware that oral-health problems, such as tooth loss and gum disease, are early signs that help their dentist to suspect osteoporosis, according to a report published in the May/June 2004 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Reviewed: January 2012