How Jaw Bone Density Changes With Age: Causes, Prevention

As we age our jawbone density will change naturally. Our upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) provide us with a strong hold for our teeth. Like our arms and legs, our jawbone will continually break down old cells and form new cells. This can be affected by several factors such as:

How Does Jawbone Density Change With Age?

Our jawbone needs constant force applied to it to keep it strong, voluminous and dense. Every time you chew, bite or speak you will be transferring force through your teeth into the surrounding alveolar bone. This tells your body to send minerals such as calcium and phosphorus to the area to increase the bone density.

As we age our bodies will slow down. Osteoblasts (cells that build new bone) will begin to reduce their activity whilst the osteoclasts (cells that eat away at old bone) will continue. This will gradually cause bone loss.

What Are the Main Causes of Jawbone Loss With Age?

How Does Tooth Loss Cause Jawbone Loss?

When you lose a tooth, there will be no longer any force being transferred to the jawbone. This will cause the unused bone to resorb quickly, losing up to 25% of its volume within the first year.

How Do Hormone Changes During Menopause Affect Jawbone Density?

Estrogen is an important hormone for keeping your bones dense. During menopause in women, estrogen levels will drop causing increased bone loss.

Can Osteoporosis Cause Jawbone Loss?

Osteoporosis will weaken your bones. Many people with low bone density will suffer from thinning jawbones.

How Does Advanced Gum Disease Affect Jawbone Density?

If gum disease isn’t treated you will get aggressive plaque forming underneath your gums. This causes severe inflammation that will destroy your gums and cause the alveolar bone to dissolve.

Can a Poor Diet Lead to Jawbone Loss?

Older people may not eat as much calcium, vitamin D and protein. We need these important nutrients to build strong bones.

What Are the Symptoms of Reduced Jaw Bone Density?

Know when to see a dentist about your jawbone loss.

Can Jawbone Loss Cause Facial Changes?

As both your upper and lower jawbone start to lose volume and density, the distance between your nose and chin will decrease. This will cause pronounced lines around your mouth and a prematurely aged look.

Can Reduced Jawbone Density Cause Loose Teeth?

As the surrounding alveolar bone becomes weaker and thinner your teeth will begin to feel loose. You may notice your teeth starting to move apart and become misaligned.

Can Jawbone Loss Make Dentures or Bridges Unstable?

Many people who have dentures will find they become loose, wobbly or cause soreness. This is due to the jawbone ridge becoming constantly reshaped and thinned.

Can Jawbone Loss Cause Gum Recession?

As your jawbone recedes underneath your gums, your gums will start to pull away. This will expose your teeth roots, causing sensitivity and increased risk of decay.

How Do Dentists Assess Jawbone Health?

Dentists will use advanced technology to assess your jawbone.

What Is a 3D CBCT Scan?

A 3D Cone Beam CT scan will give dentists an accurate 3D image of your jawbone. This will give them information on the height, width and density of your jawbone.

How Does a Digital Panoramic X-Ray Help?

Panoramic x-rays will give a clear 2D image of your upper and lower jaw. This will show any areas of thinning bone, hidden infections or root relationships.

What Is Periodontal Probing?

The depth of pockets between your teeth and gums will be measured by your dental hygienist. Deep pockets often mean there is an infection and bone loss.

How Can You Protect and Rebuild Your Jawbone?

Although aging will affect how much bone turnover you have, there are simple ways to protect and rebuild your jawbone.

Can Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth and Protect Jawbone Density?

Dental implants are artificial titanium roots. These will fuse with your jawbone and transfer force from chewing. This will stop any bone resorption and encourage new bone growth.

How Can Bone Grafting Help Rebuild Jawbone?

If you have already suffered from jawbone loss, a dentist can perform a bone graft. Natural or artificial bone will be placed into the area. This will provide a strong framework for your body to grow new natural bone.

How Does Brushing Your Teeth Twice Daily Help?

Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes using a soft bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss everyday to remove plaque from between your teeth and gums. This will prevent periodontitis.

Which Calcium and Mineral-Rich Foods Support Jawbone Health?

Eat foods that are rich in calcium such as plain yogurt, dark leafy vegetables, almonds and fortified dairy products. Ensure you are getting enough vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. This will help your body absorb calcium and put it into your bones.

Why Should You Avoid Smoking?

Smoking will cause reduced blood flow to your gums. It will also destroy your bone building cells and increase your risk of periodontitis and implant failure. Stopping smoking will protect your jawbone.

How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

Visit your dentist every 6 months for regular check-ups. This will allow them to spot any gum disease or small cavities early.

What Are the Key Takeaways About Jawbone Density and Aging?

• Bone loss with age is natural but can be accelerated by tooth loss and gum disease.

• Chewing transfers force to your jawbone. Replacing missing teeth will help keep your jawbone volume.

• Look out for symptoms such as loose teeth, gum recession, facial changes and unstable dentures.

• Eat a healthy diet with lots of calcium and vitamin D.

• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss nightly. Don’t smoke.

• See your dentist regularly so they can check your jawbone using advanced 3D technology.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Jawbone Density?

Can I Rebuild My Jawbone Naturally?

Once your tooth root has gone your body can’t rebuild your jawbone naturally as there will be no force. However, by having a dental implant in place you will transfer the chewing force. This will stop any further loss. Specialized treatment such as bone grafting can also help rebuild your jawbone.

Will Osteoporosis Cause Jawbone Loss?

Yes! Osteoporosis affects all of your bones in your body including your maxilla and mandible. Having low bone density will cause the trabecular structure inside your jaw to weaken. This makes it more prone to quick resorption, especially if you have gum disease or missing teeth.

How Quickly Will My Jawbone Shrink?

Your jawbone will start to shrink as soon as you lose your tooth. Studies show that up to 25% of the total width of the socket will be lost within the first year. If you don’t replace your tooth with a dental implant your jawbone will continue to shrink over the years.

Will Traditional Dentures Stop Jawbone Loss?

No! Traditional dentures sit on top of your gums. There will be no replacement for the tooth roots. This means no force will be transferred. Your jawbone will still shrink.

Keeping your jawbone strong as you age is important to keep your natural smile, speech, comfort when eating and facial structure. Although your bones will change naturally with age and biological changes, you can take control of your oral health. By keeping up with good daily oral hygiene, eating a nutritious diet, treating gum disease early and replacing your missing teeth with implants you can ensure your teeth have a strong foundation. Book a full diagnostic appointment with your dentist to assess your jaws.