Losing bone around teeth is a common yet concerning condition that can occur for a variety of reasons. Bone is a dynamic, living tissue primarily made up of collagen and it’s strengthened by calcium phosphate. This combination of collagen and calcium phosphate is what keeps your bones strong and healthy. However, if your body starts breaking down bone faster than it can rebuild it, you’ll start to lose bone mass. During bone resorption, your body takes back minerals like calcium from the bone into the bloodstream. This can lead to bone loss over time, especially around your teeth.
In this blog, we will help you recognize the causes and take steps to protect your oral health.
What is Dental Bone Loss?
Dental bone loss is a condition where the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth begins to shrink or deteriorate. This bone loss can cause the teeth to become loose, shift, or even spread out, and in worst-case scenarios, you could lose them altogether. If you lose a tooth or have one taken out, the jawbone under it can also shrink, along with your gums.
This problem is often called periodontal bone loss, and it usually points to a serious gum problem or another dental issue that’s messing with the bone around your teeth.
What Causes Losing Bone Around Teeth?
- Gum Disease: The number one reason people lose bone around their teeth is gum disease. This happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and under your gums. The bacteria from the plaque then starts to break down the bone that holds your teeth in place.
- Tooth Extraction: If you have a tooth pulled and don’t replace it, the jawbone where the tooth used to be won’t get the stimulation it needs. This causes the bone to weaken and shrink, leading to bone loss.
- Trauma or Injury: Accidents can damage your teeth or jawbone. This kind of damage can lead to bone loss.
- Poor Nutrition: Your jawbone needs certain nutrients to stay strong, especially calcium and vitamin D. If you’re not getting enough of these nutrients, your jawbone can become weaker and more likely to lose bone mass.
- Misalignment: When your teeth are crooked or you’re missing a tooth, the way your teeth come together can be affected. This misalignment can cause bone loss over time.
- Bridgework or Dentures: dentures or bridgework that doesn’t provide enough stimulation to the underlying bone can lead to bone resorption.
Symptoms of Bone Loss in Teeth
Common Symptoms Include:
- Loose or Shifting Teeth: If your teeth feel unstable or start to move, it’s a clear indicator that the supporting bone is weakening.
- Gum Recession: Your gums may begin to shrink or recede, exposing more of the tooth’s surface. This can cause your teeth to appear longer than usual.
- Gaps Between Teeth: As bone loss progresses, teeth may shift or drift, leading to noticeable gaps between them.
- Dark Triangles Between Teeth: The space between your teeth may appear as dark, triangular gaps due to receding gums and loss of bone support.
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums: Inflammation of the gums, along with bleeding when brushing or flossing, is a sign of gum disease, which often leads to bone
loss if left untreated. - Bad Breath (Halitosis): Periodontal disease can cause bacteria to release volatile sulfur compounds, leading to persistent bad breath. This is often accompanied by swollen, red gums.
- Pain or Discomfort When Chewing: Loss of tooth stability can make chewing difficult, as the teeth may shift or feel uncomfortable.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately for a thorough examination and prompt treatment.
What is The Best Treatment For Dental Bone Loss
- Dental Implants: This is one of the most common treatments for bone loss, especially after a tooth extraction. Dental implants help preserve the bone by providing stimulation through chewing, which maintains the volume and density of the jawbone. Implants are often placed after bone loss occurs to restore both function and aesthetics.
- Socket Preservation: When a tooth is extracted, socket preservation can help prevent further bone loss. This involves placing a bone graft into the empty tooth socket, encouraging natural bone growth. This procedure is especially helpful if dental implants are planned later, as it ensures there is enough bone for proper implant placement.
- Surgical Dental Cleanings: If the bone loss is due to periodontal disease, surgical dental cleanings can help by removing plaque and tartar from deep gum pockets. This process allows the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth, reducing further bone loss.
The best treatment for dental bone loss depends on the severity and location of the loss, as well as the patient’s overall health. In many cases, a combination of treatments might be used. Consulting with a dentist is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment for individual cases.
Ways to Prevent Losing Bone Around Teeth
- Proper dental care: Clean your teeth using a soft toothbrush, twice a day. Fluoride toothpaste prevents cavities.
- Healthy lifestyle: If you smoke, quit. Smoking makes bones weak and worsens gum diseases. Cut down on foods and drinks with sugar as bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar.
- Regular dental checkups: Plaque and tartar accumulate daily, so it’s important to visit your dentist for cleanings regularly.
- Overall health management: Various general health conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and other systemic diseases can be managed to save the bone health and prevent issues like gum disease that contribute to bone loss.
- Laser dentistry treatment: Laser dentistry is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that can be highly effective in treating periodontal disease, which is often a major contributor to dental bone loss.
Receive Best Dental Care with El-Shenawy Dental Clinics
At El-Shenawy Dental Clinics, we blend the latest technology with expert care, aiming to make your dental visit not just comfortable and personalized, but even enjoyable. Our team boasts years of experience and a compassionate approach, always putting your individual needs first. We strive to deliver professional, top-notch care, making each visit stress-free and positive for you.
When you choose El-Shenawy, you can feel confident that you’re receiving care from dedicated professionals who prioritize your comfort and well-being, providing exceptional care throughout your entire journey with us.
Conclusion
By following the tips that prevent losing bone around teeth, you not only protect your teeth but also reduce the risk of more serious dental issues down the road.
For those seeking expert guidance and exceptional care, El-Shenawy Dental Clinics stand out for their vast experience under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed El-Shenawy. With numerous locations throughout Cairo, their committed team is focused on delivering tailored, high-quality care, so you can rest assured your dental well-being is always in expert hands.
Schedule your appointment today!
