What is Dental Bone Loss?
Dental bones loss takes many forms, and is more common than you might expect. Catching early signs of dental bone loss can help to offset long term damage. Dental bone loss can be treated, and teeth can be safely and easily replaced. At first signs of loosening or narrowing teeth, or discoloration of the gums, go see your dental care professional.
What is Dental Bone Loss?
Whether through infection, disease, or age, you may notice the width of your teeth narrowing. You may also notice your teeth becoming loose, or feeling less secure in your jaw. The most common cause of this is infection, due to prolonged hygiene neglect. Smoking and poor diet can also cause dental bone loss.
Over time, the tissue that support your teeth and keep them in place degrade, usually as a result of harmful bacteria. As this happens, your teeth become loose, move within the gumline, and eventually break or fall out.
Signs of Dental Bone Loss
- Halitosis, or persistent bad breath
- Movement of your teeth (Looseness)
- Gaps in between teeth
- Bleeding or discharge from the root of teeth
- Discoloration of gums (Pink to white as blood flow leaves the area)
- Narrowing, yellowing, or break of the teeth
Causes of Dental Bone Loss
1. Infection- Infections caused by leftover food, bacteria, or microabrasions in the gumline
2. Disease- Periodontal disease, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, or Osteo related health conditions
3. Medications- Some medications through the immune system out of whack, and cause dental bone loss
4. Dehydration- Severe dehydration can dry out the sockets and tissue within your mouth
5. Smoking or Drug Use- An unfortunate side effect of uncontrolled substance use
6. Tooth Loss- Unfortunately, loosing teeth causally leads to more tooth loss. Damage to the support structures of one area of the mouth almost always leads to further damage
Combatting Dental Bone Loss
Proper preparation prevents poor performance. The most important thing you can do for your dental health, before or after dental bone loss, is care for them properly. Floss gently, in between every tooth. Follow the contours of each tooth down to the gumline. Brush at least twice a day, in persistent circles from the gumline up. Be sure to brush the sides and back of your teeth as well, but do not scrub. Use mouthwash to reach large surface areas, like the gums and cheeks.
Maintain regular dentist appointments. Thorough cleanings and examinations will help to prevent dental bone loss, and help to catch it early. Your dentist will also help you care for dental bone loss clinically, and make recommendations for replacement and prevention options. A dental hygienist will also be able to make recommendations on how to adjust your hygiene routine.
Replacement Options if you Lose Teeth
If you suffer tooth loss from dental bone loss, there are numerous options for teeth replacement. You will want to replace teeth promptly, because as mentioned missing teeth lead to more missing teeth. Ask your dentist about Crowns, Bridges, Implants, and Composite Teeth replacement options.