Dental bone loss is a common yet often overlooked issue that can have significant impacts on both oral health and overall well-being. Understanding dental bone loss is crucial for maintaining long-term oral health and preventing more serious dental issues down the road.
In this article, you will read about the following: 
- What are the symptoms of dental bone loss?
- What are the causes of dental bone loss?
- Can teeth with bone loss be saved?
- Can you increase bone density after 30?
- Can you reverse dental bone loss?
What is dental bone loss?
Dental bone loss means the deterioration of the structure of bone tissue. When osteoporosis occurs, the bone mass decreases. General bone loss in the whole body occurs due to a lack of nutrition and exercise. As opposed to general bone loss, dental bone loss has other causes, such as periodontitis.
What are the symptoms of dental bone loss?
In general, dental bone loss is very inconspicuous, since it happens without any pain. However, ultimately, the whole jaw becomes less resilient. In an advanced condition, we can see the following symptoms: 
- bleeding of the gum when brushing teeth
- red, swollen and sensitive gum
- bad breath
- loose teeth
- change in bite
What are the causes of dental bone loss?
The most frequent causes are periodontitis or if you do not replace a lost tooth. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease, caused by the bacteria deposited in the maxillary sinus as the consequence of inadequate oral hygiene. If this inflammation is not treated in time, it evolves into periodontitis. It eventually leads to the destruction of the bone structure or dental bone loss. To prevent dental bone loss, the patient has to maintain good and extensive oral hygiene and undertake regular visits to the dentist.
Can teeth with bone loss be saved?
Yes, teeth with bone loss can sometimes be saved, depending on the severity of the bone loss and the underlying cause. Early intervention and proper treatment can help stabilize the condition and prevent further damage. Here’s how:
Periodontal (gum) disease treatment: A deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar from below the gums, helping to reduce infection and inflammation. Topical or oral antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections. Some dentists use laser treatment to remove bacteria and promote healing. Gum grafts for receding gums: In cases where gum recession is contributing to bone loss, a gum graft can help restore gum tissue, and protect and stabilize the teeth. Splinting Loose Teeth: For severely loose teeth, dentists may use splinting techniques to brace weak teeth, providing additional support and preventing further movement.
Can you increase bone density after 30?
Yes, you can increase bone density after age 30, but it becomes increasingly challenging as bone mass naturally begins to decline. Although bone-building potential is highest before age 30, it is still possible to increase or maintain bone density well into adulthood with consistent attention and a healthy lifestyle. Eat for strong bones: Consume foods rich in calcium and vitamins D and K, and Magnesium. Weight-bearing and strengthening exercises: Activities such as walking, jogging, dancing, and resistance training stimulate bone turnover. Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking and limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight
Regular checkups and bone density tests: A DEXA scan can assess bone health and help track progress.
Can you reverse dental bone loss?
Yes, dental bone loss can sometimes be reversed or treated, depending on the severity and cause. Here are some approaches:
Bone grafting: If bone loss has occurred due to missing teeth or periodontal disease, bone grafting can help restore the lost bone. This involves placing natural or synthetic bone material into the affected area to stimulate new bone growth.
Guided bone regeneration (GBR): This procedure uses barrier membranes to encourage bone regeneration, especially in preparation for dental implants. It helps prevent soft tissue from growing into bone defects, allowing new bone to form. Dental Implants and Osseointegration: When a dental implant is placed, the jawbone can naturally fuse with the implant through a process called osseointegration, which can help maintain and even stimulate bone growth.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP uses growth factors from the patient’s own blood to speed up bone healing and regeneration.
Medications and Supplements: Certain medications, such as bisphosphonates, can slow bone loss in osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D supplements also contribute to overall bone health.
Preventing further bone loss: Early treatment of gum disease: Prevents bone damage caused by bacterial infections. Tooth replacement prevents further bone loss due to missing teeth by maintaining stimulation. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups can prevent periodontal disease, which is a major cause of bone loss. Read more about reversing dental bone loss, dental bone graft cost
While severe bone loss is difficult to completely reverse, modern dental treatments can restore function and improve bone density, allowing for the regaining of a strong, healthy jawbone.
