Why Is Your Jawbone Important?
When you think about your oral health, the two main areas of concern that we speak of regularly are your teeth and gums; however, there is another area in the mouth that can also be cause for concern, and that is the jawbone. Although we typically give the jawbone very little thought, it holds your entire mouth together. The jawbone creates the guide for your face shape and holds all of your teeth in place.
Why is the Jawbone Important?
The jawbone holds all of your teeth in place and ensures that you chew and speak properly. Your jawbone will stay healthier when all your teeth are present. The jawbone relies on stimulation from the roots of the teeth to remain healthy and intact. When teeth are missing and not replaced, it can cause the jawbone to deteriorate. When the jawbone isn’t healthy, it can affect the way you chew your food and speak. It can also change the appearance of your face.
Too much stress on your jaw can also damage your jawbone. Stress occurs when patients clench and grind their teeth or suffer from a common condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMD. Patients who experience this common condition can have difficulty opening their mouths to eat, and many live in a constant state of discomfort.
How to Keep Your Jawbone Healthy
Taking proper care of your teeth and gums helps your jawbone stay healthy. If you experience tooth loss, be sure to replace the missing tooth or teeth as soon as possible. Likewise, if we diagnose you with gum disease, be sure to receive treatment in a timely manner and follow our instructions. If you have been diagnosed as someone who clenches and grinds their teeth, we encourage you to follow our recommendations.
If you are concerned about the state of your jawbone or need a recommended dental treatment, be sure to contact our office, which is located in Burton, MI, to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
