One unfortunate thing that happens to our bodies when aging is bone loss. While bone loss is often observed in conditions like osteoporosis, which affects the spine, bone loss can also be experienced in the jaw negatively impacting the teeth.
What Is Jawbone Loss?
People aren’t often aware of this, but the human body is constantly rebuilding itself. In bones, this can be seen through resorption and ossification. Resorption is essentially the process in which older bone is removed. But this is then replaced by new bone, which is put into place through ossification. But as a person ages, these two processes no longer stay in balance. This means bone loss happens quicker while bone growth is slowed down. When this happens to the jawbone, it can affect several aspects of your oral health, as the jawbone often acts as the foundation of your teeth. While you may notice changes in your facial features when you have jawbone loss, the only sure way to know is through dental X-rays.
How to Prevent Jawbone Loss?
Since jawbone loss can be attributed to tooth loss and gum disease, the best way to prevent jawbone loss is through good dental hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day to keep harmful bacteria away from your mouth. The bacteria in your mouth can often eat away at your bones and also stimulate gum tissue. To increase bone health, it’s best to eat healthy and nutritious food containing calcium, protein, vitamin D, and other nutrients your bones need. It’s also best to avoid smoking and tobacco use as these can be detrimental to your bone health.
How to Recover From Jawbone Loss?
If you are already experiencing jawbone loss, there are still ways to recover from it. It’s best to see a dentist to properly diagnose the problem. But in general, treatments such as prescription medication and bone grafts can help restore your teeth’ foundation. However, you also need to stimulate and maintain it the jawbone density. That’s why dental implants are often recommended for jawbone loss, as they can help stimulate the new bone in your jaw.
Final Thoughts
The jaw acts as the foundation for your teeth so jawbone loss can leave your teeth with a weaker foundation, causing certain oral issues. It’s important to practice good dental hygiene to protect your teeth and jaw. And if you are already experiencing jawbone loss, you can still recover from it with treatments such as bone graft, dental implants, and prescription medication.
Dr. Mihirgir Bava is a skilled and enthusiastic general dentist practicing in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Bava and our team are here for your oral health needs. Please call 919-872-1700 with your dental questions and concerns.