How Can Dental Bone Loss Be Reversed?
Dental bone loss is normally treated with bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, or ridge modification, reports Intelligent Dental. Common methods of prevention include calcium supplementation, quitting smoking and emphasizing oral hygiene.
If bone loss is caught in the early stages, it is sometimes possible to slow or reverse the condition with lifestyle changes alone, including quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet. These changes promote overall good healing, including the regeneration of bone.
Natural reversal of dental bone loss at home is not possible, and tissue regeneration must be done under the supervision of medical professionals, according to Intelligent Dental. A common method of reversing dental bone loss is through bone grafting, using a synthetic bone tissue or a patient's own bone to regenerate tissue. Guided tissue regeneration uses biocompatible membranes to facilitate the growth of bone around teeth and prevent the growth of other tissues. Ridge modification requires an incision through the gums into the area of bone loss, adds the American Academy of Periodontology. This pocket is then filled with grafted bone tissue.
Dental bone loss can be prevented with adequate dental hygiene, reports Intelligent Dental. Brushing twice a day with proper technique and flossing before bedtime can cut down on bone loss due to infections. Chlorohexidine mouthwash is sometimes recommended to treat early gum disease, but this can stain teeth if used chronically. Calcium and vitamin D are responsible for building strong bones and teeth. Calcium provides strength to these tissues, while vitamin D is necessary to deposit calcium in bones. A diet low in simple carbohydrates may help, as rapid fluctuations in blood sugar have been linked to gum disease and bone loss.
