Jaw Bone Health
Importance of Jaw Bone Health
Jawbones are also known as the alveolar bone. They are important for eating and speaking and maintaining the shape of your face. Jawbones can deteriorate due to tooth loss, gum disease, and osteoporosis, leading to an altered facial appearance. Jaw bone health is essential for functional and aesthetic purposes.
Issues Caused by the Loss of Bone Density
When jaw bones lose density, it can cause several problems, such as:
- Oral health problems such as loose teeth, detached or receding gums, and bad breath.
- Changes to the appearance and structure of the face
- Difficulty with speech and eating
- TMJ disorder and pain
- Sinusitis
- Chronic pain in the head and face
Common Causes of Bone Loss
There are various reasons why an individual might be experiencing a loss of bone mass. It is most commonly caused by:
- Tooth loss: When teeth are lost, the roots that once held them in place are also gone. Missing teeth can cause your jawbone to break down over time.
- Dental procedures: Jawbone deterioration can also be caused by certain dental procedures, such as teeth extractions.
- Periodontal disease: This is a severe infection of the gums that can cause damage to the underlying alveolar bone that supports the teeth. This bone damage can eventually lead to the loss of natural teeth.
- Smoking: Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products can weaken the bones and lead to the loss of bone mass.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage bone cells and cause them to break down more quickly. It can also decrease the body’s ability to produce new bone cells.
- Trauma or Injury: A traumatic event, such as a car accident or a fall, can damage the bones in the face and jawbone. This can lead to the bone no longer being able to heal correctly, and the bone tissue breaks down. The blood supply to the bone may also be disrupted, stopping bone stimulation.
- Osteoporosis: This condition causes your bones to become weak and brittle. It is often seen in older adults, but it can affect people of all ages.
Tips for Keeping Your Jawbones Healthy
You can take many preventive measures to help keep your jawbones healthy.
- Maintain good dental health habits with your remaining teeth. This will help prevent gum disease, which can lead to bone damage.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
- Stop smoking and using tobacco products.
- Engage in a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly to keep your bones healthy and strong.
- Talk to your doctor about using dental implants to replace missing teeth to prevent further jawbone loss.
- If you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for bone loss, follow your treatment plan and take steps to prevent further bone loss.
Contact Us Today!
Jawbone health is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing serious health problems. You can keep your jaw healthy and avoid these issues by taking steps to prevent jawbone deterioration. If you have any questions about the health of your jaw bone tissue, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.
