The Importance of Teeth for JawBone Health
Your jawbone health is maintained by use. The act of chewing and biting stimulates your jaw and keeps the bone strong.
The structural integrity of your jawbone can be compromised through teeth misalignment, disease, facial trauma or missing teeth. When a tooth is removed or falls out, bone loss begins immediately at the site of the gap and continues to deteriorate over time. Without proper treatment, that loss can cause problems both with your appearance and overall health. You may experience pain, issues with your remaining teeth, altered facial appearance, and eventually even the inability to speak and/or eat normally.
Potential Consequences of Tooth and Jaw Bone Loss
- Shifting, loosening, and loss of other teeth
- Limited lip support and wrinkling around the mouth
- Distortion of other facial features
- Jaw (TMJ or temporomandibular joint) pain, facial pain, and headaches
- Difficulty speaking and communicating
- Inability to chew properly and painlessly
- Sinus expansion
- Adjustment in your bite
Jaw bone loss or deterioration will often require a bone grafting procedure in order to restore functionality and appearance. This procedure provides the ability to replace bone where it is missing and promote new growth in that location.
MAINTENANCE FOR A HEALTHY JAW BONE
In addition to regular use of your jawbone, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle for optimal bone health:
- Eat a well-balanced diet rich in Vitamin D and calcium
- Avoid smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Take care of your teeth and gums by brushing twice daily and flossing
If you are experiencing symptoms of jawbone loss, contact our office to book a consultation.
