Gum Care
Bone loss
Bone loss is the shrinking of the jawbone that supports the teeth, which can happen with gum disease, after a tooth is lost, or with other conditions.
The bone in the jaw holds your teeth in place. Gum disease can destroy this bone when infection spreads below the gum line. NIDCR says that an X-ray can show if there is any bone loss as a result of gum disease. Bone can also shrink where a tooth is missing, because the jaw is no longer being used there. The ADA notes that bone loss can occur around a missing tooth. Bone loss can make teeth loose and can limit options for replacing teeth. Dentists find it with X-rays and gum measurements. See periodontitis and alveolar bone. A bone graft is one way to rebuild lost bone. See our periodontal care page.