Risk factors for the disease are: heredity, calcium deficiency, smoking, menopause, excessive caffeine or alcohol and an inactive lifestyle.

As the disease progresses, the vertebral bones can become weakened, resulting in a curved backbone. Also, the other bones in the body, such as the hip, will become susceptible to fracture during normal everyday activities.

"Early osteoporosis signs can be seen in the mouth," says report author Aida Chohayeb, DDS, MSD. "When the dentist observes that some teeth are loose, the gums are not attached to the teeth and that dentures do not fit well, dental X-rays will be taken to confirm the diagnosis. The X-rays will reveal the decrease in the density of the jawbone and bone around the teeth, as well as the remaining part of the jaws."

Then, the dentist would refer the patient to their physician to confirm the diagnosis its earliest stage.