As people age, our bones change. The density of human bones begins to diminish at around the age of 30, and continued changes in the body affect the strength and mineralization of bone through the lifespan. While these changes are normal, there are some measures people can take to reduce the effects of bone loss, like adopting healthy exercise habits, maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet, and supplementing the diet with medications if needed. One of the places where bone loss can be particularly distressing is in the jaw, especially the lower jaw; as the jawbone diminishes, this can lead to a sunken appearance in the lower face, with visibly sagging facial features and noticeably thinned lips. The effects of a diminishing jaw can go beyond mere aesthetics, interfering with the ability to eat comfortably and speak clearly and affecting the alignment of the teeth. Thankfully, there are measures people can take to keep the destructive forces of bone loss at bay, particularly in the jaw, while also helping to maintain the health of the oral cavity.
One of the most effective ways to prevent bone loss in the jaw is to keep the teeth healthy and intact, and the best way to maintain the oral health, which includes the health of the jawbone, is to practice effective oral hygiene. This includes regular dental exams and professional cleanings. Dentists recommend brushing the teeth at least twice daily, brushing in gentle circular motions with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, along with daily cleaning between the teeth with floss or a water irrigator. These practices help reduce the likelihood of cavities and gum disease, keeping the teeth sturdily in the mouth and the oral tissues vital, strong and supple. When gum disease is left untreated, it develops into periodontal disease, which is characterized by periodontal pockets, full of infection and bacteria, between the teeth and gums. This infection wreaks havoc on the oral tissues, leading to detachment of the soft tissues and deterioration of the bone that supports the teeth. Thankfully, gum disease can be reversed with early intervention, which is one of the reasons regular dental exams and cleanings are so important in preventing tooth loss and maintaining the strength and integrity of the bone.
When tooth loss occurs, it is inevitably followed by bone loss, as the bone is no longer needed to support the tooth, so keeping the teeth strong and healthy is one of the foremost ways to prevent bone loss in the jaw. It’s also important to regularly stimulate the bone, which happens each time we bite or chew food. Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet with lots of fiber helps exercise the jaw while nutrients help support the vital tissues throughout the body. When the jawbone isn’t sufficiently stimulated, it gradually diminishes and is reabsorbed by the body, which occurs when a natural tooth is missing and there’s no root present to stimulate the bone. This is why dentists recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth, as implant posts function much like tooth roots and help keep the bone vital and strong. The jawbone may need to be replenished with bone grafts before dental implants can be placed, but once the implants are placed, they continue to exercise the bone and help keep it strong. This isn’t the case with dentures and other removable dental prosthetics, which actually contribute to bone loss by applying pressure to the alveolar ridge of the jaw.