Alveolar bone resorption (also known as periodontal bone loss) is a common dental disorder that causes the bone structure supporting teeth to deteriorate. If not treated, it might cause major issues with your mouth’s health. This article will discuss tooth bone loss, including its symptoms, causes, and possible treatments.
Causes of Bone Loss in Teeth
- Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth bone loss. It develops when the inflammation brought on by the bacteria in plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums causes the tissue and bone supporting the teeth to deteriorate.
- Poor oral hygiene: Plaque and tartar buildup, caused by infrequent brushing and flossing, can erode tooth enamel and eventually lead to tooth loss.
- Genetic factors: Some people may have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease and losing tooth bone due to genetics. You might be more likely to experience dental problems if there’s a history of them in your family.
- Smoking: Gum disease and tooth loss are both greatly exacerbated by smoking. It decreases the body’s resistance to infection, which in turn increases bone loss and harms the gums.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes and osteoporosis, for example, have both been related to an increased risk of tooth loss due to bone loss. Gum and bone health can be compromised by these diseases, increasing the risk of periodontal disease.
Symptoms of Bone Loss in Teeth
- Gum recession: When the gums recede and reveal more of the tooth root, it is an early indicator of bone loss in the jaw. This might provide the impression of longer teeth and cause sensitivity in the teeth.
- Loose or shifting teeth: Loss of bone in the jaw can cause teeth to become loose or shift position, compromising the bite and making it difficult to chew food effectively.
- Bleeding gums: Gum disease and tooth loss are both symptoms of persistent bleeding when cleaning or flossing the teeth. Gums in good health shouldn’t bleed.
- Bad breath: Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth can be signs of gum disease and tooth loss.
- Pus or abscesses: Pus or abscesses forming around infected teeth are signs of a more advanced infection that has progressed into the bone.
Treatment Options for Bone Loss in Teeth
- Professional dental cleaning: To prevent further bone loss and promote gum reattachment and bone regeneration in the early stages of bone loss, a professional dental cleaning, also known as scale and root planing, may be recommended to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums and to smooth the tooth roots.
- Antibiotics: Infections that cause bone loss in teeth may be treated with antibiotics. They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help curb bacterial growth.
- Bone grafting: Bone grafting is a procedure used to replace bone that has been lost due to injury or disease. To stimulate new bone formation, bone or bone-like materials are implanted in the afflicted location.
- Flap surgery: When gum and tooth bone have been lost to an advanced stage, flap surgery may be an option. In order to clear the deep pockets caused by gum recession, the gums must be lifted. After the pockets are reduced in depth and healing has begun, the gums are repositioned and sutured.
- Dental implants: Dental implants are a potential solution for people who have lost teeth due to bone loss.
Prevention of Bone Loss in Teeth
- Maintain proper oral hygiene: Plaque and bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease, so it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and rinse with mouthwash after meals. Gum disease and bone loss can be avoided with regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.
- Quit smoking: Quitting smoking is incredibly beneficial to your dental health if you are a smoker. Gum disease and tooth loss are both greatly exacerbated by smoking. Quitting smoking is an important step in improving your dental health and lowering your chance of developing these diseases.
- Eat a balanced diet: Strong bones and teeth can be supported by consuming a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and vitamin D. Sugary food and drinks should be consumed in moderation, as they can promote plaque formation and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
- Manage medical conditions: Collaborate together with your doctor for the best management of illnesses like diabetes and osteoporosis. Reduced tooth loss may result from better management of several disorders.
- Use mouthguards: A mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage and prevent nighttime teeth grinding, both of which can cause excessive stress on the jawbone and lead to bone loss if not addressed.
Conclusion
Bone loss in teeth is a major problem that can occur if periodontal disease, the leading cause of bone loss in teeth, is not treated. Good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, eating a balanced diet, managing medical problems, and using mouthguards are all preventative actions you may take to avoid bone loss in your teeth. In order to prevent further harm to your oral health, it is crucial that you see your dentist as soon as possible if you feel that you are suffering bone loss in your teeth. To keep your teeth and gums healthy for the rest of your life, remember that prevention and early treatment are essential.