The human body naturally loses bone mass as it ages. Unfortunately, there’s no legitimate scientific way to reverse the aging process on a permanent basis – like it or not, everyone gets old. Interestingly, some people appear to age more quickly than others. It may be a result of a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, or even an inadequate oral health routine. Luckily, there are simple and effective ways to put an end to rapid aging issues. In the case of premature aging, a competent cosmetic dentist can be your best friend.
Dental-Related Issues for Bone Loss, in a nutshell
The alveolar process is the thick bone ridge that holds the sockets for our teeth. This solid structure is responsible for the condition of our bite along with the jawline as well as the entire structure of the face. As teeth shift or expel, reduction in bone mass occurs. Specific oral care problems attack the structure and can result in concave sunken-in facial skin. Many of the issues that lead to the bone loss can be self-corrected if caught early enough, but some require particular attention.
Periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, is the most common cause of tooth-related bone loss. This disease begins as gingivitis – colorful, swollen, and sometimes painful and bleeding gums. Gingivitis can be self-controlled in the beginning stages, but it can quickly advance to destroy destroys the gums and compromise tooth support. Furthermore, the bacteria from periodontitis enter the bloodstream and can also cause serious health issues.
Life stresses can often lead to TMJ or bruxism – involuntary grinding of the teeth, which tends to occur while sleeping. The resulting damage can lead to loose or missing teeth. The grinding whittles down the teeth and makes the jaw protrude from its natural state. This causes the surrounding skin to conform to the changes, which in turn can completely change the structure of the face.
Unsecured dentures or bridgework are also major dental-related reasons for bone loss. Almost 180 million Americans have at least one missing tooth, and 40 million Americans are missing an entire mouthful due mostly to untreated tooth decay. The empty sockets provide no support for the jawline and alveolar process, causing the face to seem to implode upon itself. Dentures and bridgework can help, but only if they’re kept in place on a consistent basis. The bones can continue shrinking if the issues are ignored for too long, which is why it’s so important to take quick action with a competent cosmetic dentist who can repair and possibly reverse the situation.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Prevent Jaw Bone Shrinkage
If you don’t clean your teeth well enough, bacteria will attack the surrounding gums and tissue and decay will set in. Let that go long enough, and it’s bye-bye teeth and hello health problems. A visit to your cosmetic dentist helps you clean the mouth, contain the bacteria, and correct the problems so you can keep that nasty gum disease at bay.
Grinding can be fixed with several solutions. Stress therapy, mouth guards, braces, and Invisalign can all help you halt the grind. If enamel has worn significantly or nerves are exposed, caps, crowns, gum graphs, or even root canals may be required. Don’t ignore the pain – it’s trying to send you a message that it’s time to tend to your oral health.
Whether you’re missing one or several teeth, they’ll need a replacement anchor. If unanchored bridges or dentures are the issue, your cosmetic dentist can provide solutions like permanent upgrades or dental implants. The latter is a surgical option that’s costs more upfront than dentures or bridgework, but it is a permanent lifelong solution to replace missing teeth.
The American Dental Association strongly recommends dental visitation every six months. No matter how long you’ve been neglecting seeing the dentist, there’s no time like the present to make an appointment and connect with the modern advancements of cosmetic dentistry.
Contact Dr. Sachar today to maximize your oral health benefits and put forth your very best smile. You may be pleasantly surprised to see how proper dental care can slow that aging process!
Mike Morgan is a health enthusiast and has written several health articles for various health magazines.
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