When your dentist takes an X-ray of your mouth, they can see if you have any bone loss. Bone loss happens for many reasons. It is not always painful, and you can have it without even knowing. However, if it gets bad enough, it can affect your appearance. Therefore, you should take steps to prevent or reduce any possibility of bone loss. Here is more information about bone loss in the jaw, its causes and how to prevent it.

What Is Jawbone Loss?

Jawbone loss is when the bones around your teeth begin to thin and deteriorate. Many people, especially women, experience minor bone loss as a result of age-related hormonal changes. Other types of bone loss have outside causes. If you lose too much bone in your jaw, you could end up with a face that looks sunken inward as the bone deteriorates.

What Causes Jawbone Loss?

One of the top causes of jawbone loss is if you have tooth loss. Intact teeth help stimulate bone growth to keep it active and regenerative. When you remove the tooth, that process stops, and the bone begins to deteriorate.

Another major cause of jawbone loss is periodontal disease. When you have infected gums, it affects the tooth's support structure as well as the actual tooth. Severe periodontal disease can also contribute to tooth loss.

Other bone loss causes include using dentures instead of implants, misalignment and osteomyelitis. All of these affect the ability of the jawbone to rebuild itself.

What Ways Help Prevent Jawbone Loss?

The best way to prevent jawbone loss is to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Address periodontal disease right away. Practice good oral hygiene and keep your bones healthy through diet and necessary supplements. Brush and floss correctly, and protect your gums with a soft toothbrush.

If you lose a tooth, look into getting an implant. In some cases, you can also opt for anchored dentures if you have many missing teeth. If you already have bone loss, you may need bone grafts before you can get implants. The longer you wait, the less likely you will be an eligible candidate for grafting or implants.

While not all bone loss is 100% preventable, you can take steps to minimise it. Have regular dental screenings so your dentist can find potential problems early. With proper hygiene and early diagnosis, you can slow down or prevent bone loss before it gets difficult to repair. If you keep your teeth and jawbone healthy, make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist can provide further information on this condition.

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