Bone Loss may tip off doctors to gum disease in postmenopausal women Postmenopausal women who are susceptible to bone fractures may also be at a higher risk for gum disease. Researchers found a link between women after menopause with a high score on a Fracture Assessment Risk tool (FRAX) and symptoms of severe gum disease. Women can have a huge increase in bone loss in the first decade after the onset of menopause as estrogen level drop. Lower estrogen also impacts the mouth and causes inflammatory changes that can lead to gingivitis, a precursor to periodontal disease (gum disease). When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (inflammation around the tooth). The gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed. For more information on the research done by Case Western reserve University School of the Dental medicine and Case/Cleveland clinic Postmenopausal Health collaboration )(CCCPOHC) see the full article at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/289585.php