110 What is Dental Bone Loss

What is Dental Bone Loss

Bone loss can be a detrimental side effect of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease most often results from poor oral hygiene but can also be a side effect of certain medications or even genetics. Left untreated, periodontal disease can contribute to bone loss in the jaw. Bone loss is more common among older adults but patients of any age can experience bone loss in the jaw, even those who have had good oral hygiene practices. When the bone that supports your teeth begins to deteriorate as a result of gum disease or infection, teeth are more susceptible to forming gaps between teeth, becoming loose and even falling out.

Causes of Bone Loss
The most common cause of bone loss and tooth loss is periodontal disease. When you lose one tooth for any reason and do not have it replaced, the underlying bone structure will begin to resorb and cause neighboring teeth to become loose and fall out as well. This can quickly lead to a domino effect of tooth loss as the bone shrinks.

Damage to the jaw can also result in bone loss such as an accident or other trauma. Another major factor that comes into play with periodontal disease and bone loss is smoking. Evidence shows that smoking not only increases the patient’s susceptibility to gum disease and bone loss, it also increases the amount of damage done by gum disease. Once gum disease is diagnosed, smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of any treatment.

Other factors that may lead to bone loss in the jaw include poor nutrition and certain medical conditions or diseases, such as osteoporosis.

Symptoms of Bone Loss
Signs that your jaw bone is losing mass may include swollen or bleeding gum tissue upon brushing, gum recession, bad breath, mobile teeth, and gaps between teeth. Early signs of gum disease are swollen puffy gums and chronic bad breath, called gingivitis. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible for a professional cleaning and evaluation of your teeth and gum tissue. Left untreated, gingivitis can quickly progress into periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease, and can lead to bone and tooth loss.

If you have already lost a tooth, it is important to have the area treated. Best option to restore a missing tooth and prevent further bone loss is with a dental implant. Tooth roots help stimulate bone regeneration and a dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root. The implant will help stimulate bone growth in the area and prevent further deterioration.

Caught early, bone loss can be stopped with professional periodontal therapy and good home care. Bone structure that has been lost can be regenerated through bone and gum grafts.

Preventing Bone Loss
Practicing good home care and proper oral hygiene accompanied by regular professional cleanings with your dental office is one of the best ways to make sure that your mouth stays healthy! Patients who are at a higher risk of developing gum disease can benefit from more frequent cleanings than the typical two times per year. Your hygienist can help you master proper hygiene techniques to give you the best tools to keep your teeth, gums, and bone healthy.