Research progress on the common risk factors and related mechanisms of periodontitis and osteoporosis

Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease of periodontal tissue caused by plaque biofilm. Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone density and the microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissues, which leads to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture. Recent studies have indicated that there is a certain relationship between periodontitis and osteoporosis. This paper reviews the epidemiology, shared risk factors, and potential mechanisms of mutual impact between the two diseases. A literature review shows that periodontitis and osteoporosis can affect each other, and the RANKL-RANK-OPG pathway as well as a variety of cytokines and hormones involved in bone remodeling and inflammation are involved in both diseases. Common risk factors for periodontitis and osteoporosis include aging, vitamin D and calcium deficiency, and smoking, but further research is needed to determine the specific mechanism of interaction between periodontitis and osteoporosis.