How Do You Fix Dental Bone Loss in Teeth?
Bone loss and bone regeneration are some of the amazing things that our bodies can do. Due to tooth extraction, an orthodontic adjustment, or gum disease, your jawbone no longer receives daily stimulation which leads to bone loss. It is important to replace your missing teeth and practice good oral care to prevent bone loss.
How Does Bone Loss Happen with Teeth?
Our bones have their natural messaging signals called osseointegration, where osteoblasts receive stimulation through our daily bodily movements. As for your jaw, the stimulation is generated from the pressure placed on your teeth when you chew, bite, or talk.
When the osteoblasts receive this consistent stimulus, they continue to rebuild and strengthen the jawbone. When you lose a natural tooth, the stimulation stops, and your body now thinks that the bones that support your teeth are no longer needed. So, osteoclasts now do the opposite, breaking down the bones.
Symptoms of Bone Loss with Your Teeth
Bone loss in teeth happens gradually and may exhibit itself through the following symptoms:
- Your traditional dentures become loose.
- You notice shifting teeth.
- Your facial structure begins to sag and collapse.
- New wrinkles form around your mouth.
- You notice loose teeth.
- Your lips begin sinking inward.
- You experience discomfort when chewing.
Common Causes of Bone Loss in Teeth
Tooth loss is one of the primary causes of bone resorption. Some conditions also make bone resorption a risk factor. These include:
Periodontal disease: The infection will destroy the jawbone and periodontal ligaments that hold the teeth in place. As the damage progresses, the bacteria found in the plaque will loosen the teeth, or worse, lead to tooth loss. In addition to the bone damage in the jawbone, tooth loss would be yet another cause for bone resorption in the affected area.
Osteoporosis: Another cause of bone loss in the jaw is osteoporosis. It is a condition when the bones become brittle due to aging and low calcium intake. Its impact is systemic and will affect the jawbone.
Facial injury: Trauma and irritation with the facial bone structure can result in changes to the natural activity of the bone cells responsible for both the breakdown and the rebuilding of bones.
The Impact of Bone Loss on your Oral and Overall Health
In its initial stages, the effects of bone loss are hardly noticeable. As it progresses you may lose your chance for a tooth replacement because of the lack of bone integrity to support the dental implant. Your nutrition and speech can be affected over time.
Bone loss will also significantly alter your appearance. Your facial structure will shrink, which will produce wrinkles, and your lips will sink inwards. You will look older than your age.
Consider a Lifestyle Change
According to research, bone resorption or bone loss is a shared condition of both osteoporosis and periodontal disease. They share the same risk factors:
- Natural aging.
- Your genetics.
- A hormonal change.
- The habit of smoking.
- Calcium and vitamin D deficiency.
Of all these risk factors, you can control smoking and vitamin deficiency. Avoid bone loss by trying to stop smoking and get the vitamins that you need. We will never stop aging, but we can make healthy choices to delay its effects on our bodies.