What is Dental Bone Loss
While it may sound alarming, dental bone loss is in fact a quite common occurrence, especially amongst aging populations. Hidden beneath the soft tissues of the gums, the mandibular jaw bones are what hold teeth in place and provide structure to the area around one’s teeth. Over time, due to a number of factors, it is possible and even common for this bone tissue to shrink and recede over time, resulting in loose or missing teeth and even an altered facial appearance.
The Principal Cause of Bone Loss: Gum Disease
One of the primary causes of dental bone loss is gum disease. While it would seem as though gum disease is a malady of the soft tissues of the gums alone, it is in fact a progressive disease that can have wide-ranging negative effects on the rest of the mouth and body.
Gum disease begins as an infection of the soft tissues surrounding teeth upon which plaque and tartar have been allowed to build up. Over time, this detritus, which is composed of millions of bacteria, begins to infect the gums. The initial bodily response is create inflammation and bleeding in this area of the gums; this is the way the body tries to fight infection. For gingivitis to be reversed, however, it is crucial that the layers of plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth so that they cannot continue to repeatedly infect the gums.
If this is not done, the bacteria will continue to multiply deep in the gum tissues and begin to infect the hard tissues of the bone surrounding one’s teeth, as well. At this point, gum disease can no longer be effectively treated but only managed; one of the consequences of this level of advancing gum disease is the beginnings of dental bone loss, as the infection begins to eat away at the bone itself.
Missing Teeth and Bone Loss
Another common cause of dental bone loss is missing teeth that are not replaced. The connection between teeth and dental bone is a very close one; both are needed to support each other. If dental bone is missing or beginning to recede, it can threaten the viability of the teeth in that area of the mouth. Likewise, if teeth are lost or removed and not replaced, the bone that surrounds those teeth will begin to recede because it is no longer getting the message that it is needed. For this reason, it is a good idea to replace teeth as they go missing, preferably with a dental implant that includes prosthetic roots, as these stimulate the jaw bone in key ways.
Signs of Bone Loss
Some of the first signs of bone loss are associated with gum disease, as this is such a primary contributor to this problem. Signs of gum disease include sore, swollen gums that may bleed; teeth that may move slightly in place; a foul taste or smell from the mouth; and teeth that begin to move and shift. If you notice any of these signs and symptoms of bone loss, it is imperative that you call your dentist right away to begin treating the underlying problem that is causing it.