|  | Dental Health | Gum Disease

Bone Loss in Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease affects the gums and connective tissues in the mouth. Left untreated the jaw bone is affected by the inflammation and damage caused by the disease.

  1. Inflammation

    • Inflammation in periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, affects the connective tissues between the gums and teeth and jaw bone. Since the bone anchors the teeth in alignment, inflammation in the bone can cause shifting of teeth.

    Density

    • Prolonged inflammation and bacterial presence in the gums and around the roots of teeth cause the jaw bone to lose density. As the bacteria sit next to the bone they eat away at it, causing it to become weaker.

    Damage

    • Bone loss damage isn't reversible. However, the damage can be halted, and then, if needed, bone grafts can be performed to encourage new bone growth to replace that which has been lost.

    Measurements

    • Dentists can measure bone loss with a periodontal probe and/or x rays. If the measurement with the probe is three or four the bone is in good shape. Above four indicates bone loss, and at seven or higher tooth loss is a good possibility.

    Warning

    • According to the American Dental Association, smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco increase your risk of bone loss associated with periodontal disease.

Gum Disease - Related Articles