What Causes Dental Bone Loss?

Dental bone loss is a result of missing or infected teeth that have yet to be replaced. Its most significant cause is periodontal disease, which includes periodontitis and gingivitis. The former is a severe form of gum disease that affects the supporting teeth structures, including the bone, and the latter is the inflammation of gums.

The most visible sign of dental bone loss is gum recession. As the bone diminishes, the gums may pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth roots. You might see pockets forming between gums and teeth that become a breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to immense pain and discomfort while chewing.

The good news is that bone loss can be fixed with bone graft dental or periodontal disease treatment.

Let’s take a look at the most common causes of dental bone loss:

Poor Oral Hygiene: Infrequent flossing and brushing contribute to plaque accumulation. This leads to gum disease and subsequent bone loss. In fact, according to NIH, poor oral hygiene doubles the risk of dental bone loss.

Tooth Extractions: The movement of your teeth stimulates bone growth. When a tooth is not replaced immediately after extraction, the jawbone of that portion stays immobile and starts to resorb.

Trauma: Trauma to the mouth, such as an accident or sports injury, damages the teeth and surrounding bone.

Misalignment: When teeth don’t have an opposing tooth structure, they don’t receive direct stimulation. This usually happens due to wisdom teeth erupting, TMJ, wear-and-tear, and lack of treatment.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Chronic teeth grinding puts excessive pressure on the teeth and surrounding structures, leading to bone loss over time.

Genetic Factors: Some people might be genetically predisposed to a higher risk of developing periodontal disease.

Bone loss is a natural part of the aging process. As people age, bone density decreases, making the teeth more susceptible to less movement and loss.

A quick search online on “oral surgeon near me in Portsmouth” will lead you to Coastal Periodontics. Dr. Kate Wilson will address your dental needs with care and precision. Schedule an appointment today by visiting our website or calling 603-427-8383.