The Essential Connection Between Teeth and Jawbone Health

In the same way that muscles are maintained through consistent exercise, bone tissue is preserved by essential use. Natural teeth are embedded in the jawbone, because of this, the jawbone is properly stimulated through activities such as chewing and biting. When teeth are missing in a smile, there is nothing there to provide the jawbone with the vital stimulus it needs.

As a result, the alveolar bone, also known as the part of the jawbone that anchors the teeth in the mouth, no longer receives essential encouragement and will begin to break down. The body will begin the recognize that it no longer needs the jawbone, so it deteriorates in a process called resorption.

Below, we will discuss in greater detail the potential problems missing teeth play in jawbone health as well as what you can do to further protect your oral and overall health.

The Potential Repercussions of Tooth and Bone Loss

Missing teeth can contribute to a multitude of oral, facial, and overall health issues, such as:

• Neighboring teeth shifting towards the missing tooth site, resulting in misalignment, drifting, loosening, and even loss.
• Prematurely-aged appearance due to facial features shifting and sagging.
• Lips thinning and wrinkling around the mouth.
• Jaw or TMJ pain, facial pain, and headaches.
• Difficulty speaking and communicating properly.
• Inadequate nutrition due to the inability to chew properly or comfortably.

What You Can Do to Help Preserve Healthy Teeth and Jawbone

While missing teeth can be the result of injury, trauma, or an unforeseen accident, the most common cause is preventable gum disease being left to further progress into severe periodontitis. Here are some helpful tips to consider for protecting your teeth and gums to stop bone loss as well as preventing it from worsening.

·       Implement a strong, proactive oral hygiene routine – brush twice a day, floss before brushing daily, and visit your dental professional every six months for your essential cleanings and examinations.

·        Quit smoking- tobacco use greatly increases the risk of periodontitis as well as increases plaque production while hindering natural bone mass.

·        Eat a healthy, nutrition-rich diet- for healthy living and for strong teeth and gums, think before you eat. Foods containing sugars can contribute to tooth decay which will also lead to gum disease is left to progress.

·        Seek reliable tooth replacement treatment- dental implants are one of the most successful and trusted solutions for replacing missing teeth. They are specifically designed to restore essential stimulation back to the affected jawbone because of the titanium posts’ ability to naturally fuse with living bone.

For more information on how you can stop the progression of jawbone deterioration, or if you’re looking for tooth replacement treatment, our entire team at Lorton Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery encourages you to contact us! Don’t let the repercussions of missing teeth impair your quality of life! Call us today!