Your smile says a lot about you—it’s often the first thing people notice and one of the things you take pride in. But what if something you can’t see, like bone loss in your teeth, starts to threaten that smile?
Bone loss doesn’t just affect how your teeth look; it can impact your confidence, how you speak, and even how you eat. Over time, it can lead to tooth loss, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, affects 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older. (1)
So, what’s causing bone loss in teeth, also known as dental bone loss, and more importantly, how can you stop it to keep your smile strong for years to come?
What is Dental Bone Loss?
Dental bone loss refers to the gradual weakening or deterioration of the jawbone that supports your teeth. This condition becomes more common as we age and can have far-reaching effects on both oral and overall health.
This isn’t a rare issue—nearly 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older are edentulous (toothless), often due to a compromised jawbone. (2)
As evidenced in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, women with bone loss are more susceptible to tooth loss, as they tend to have reduced mandibular bone (the bone that forms the lower jaw) mass and density, along with a thinner cortex at the gonion (the angle of the jaw), compared to women with healthy bone density. (3)
In fact, a larger percentage of women with low bone density were found to be edentulous, meaning they were missing teeth. Even those who retained all their natural teeth experienced higher tooth loss rates than women with strong bone health.
This shows how important strong bones are for the structural integrity of the jawbone to protect your teeth and oral health.
How Does Bone Loss or Bone Resorption Occur in Teeth?
Bone loss in the teeth mainly occurs through a process known as bone resorption. (4)
Healthy teeth stimulate the jawbone during activities like chewing and biting, which helps maintain bone density and strength.
However, when a tooth is lost or affected by periodontal disease, the jawbone no longer receives pressure from the tooth root, which is essential for stimulating osteoblasts (cells that build bone).
Without this pressure, the body interprets the loss as a signal to stop maintaining the bone, and osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) become more active than osteoblasts.
Over time, the jawbone undergoes gradual changes as bone density diminishes, affecting its structure and strength.
Bone resorption can begin as early as six months after losing a tooth, leading to significant changes in the jawbone's structure. (5)
This process affects both the bone and surrounding soft tissue, with horizontal (width) changes typically more pronounced than vertical (height) ones.
A study published in Clinical Oral Implants Research found that within six months, the jawbone width decreased by an average of 2.6-4.5 mm, while height loss was less severe, averaging 0.9-1.2 mm on the cheek side (buccal) and slightly less on other sides.
These changes occurred most rapidly in the first 3-6 months before slowing down.
Gum tissue also showed slight thickening on both the inner and outer sides of the ridge after six months.
Overall, horizontal reductions were more substantial than vertical ones, with bone width decreasing by 25-63% and height dropping by 10-22% within the first 6-7 months.
Therefore, it’s important to maintain strong and healthy teeth to prevent the onset of dental bone loss, especially as you age.
What Causes Bone Loss in Teeth?
Tooth loss is one of the primary triggers of bone resorption. However, some conditions also make bone resorption a risk factor. These include:
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is the leading cause of dental bone loss. It starts with a buildup of plaque and tartar, which causes gum inflammation. (6)
As the condition progresses, bacteria invade the periodontal pockets and begin to damage the supporting structures of the teeth, including the jawbone.
The bacteria produce toxins that destroy the periodontal ligaments and bone tissue, eventually leading to tooth mobility and, if untreated, tooth loss.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 47% of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease, with the numbers increasing with age. (7)
This shows the importance of regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene to help prevent bone loss and maintain dental health.
Low Calcium Intake
Calcium deficiency doesn’t just weaken your bones—it takes a toll on your teeth as well.
Without enough calcium, the jawbone weakens, increasing the risk of tooth loss.
In fact, a study in the American Journal of Medicine revealed that people who consumed less than 1,000 mg of calcium per day had a higher likelihood of losing teeth compared to those who met the recommended intake. (8)
Specifically, 59% of the 145 adults in the study with low calcium intake lost at least one tooth over the course of two years.
This shows the importance of consuming at least 1,000 mg of calcium daily to reduce the risk of tooth loss as you get older.
Age
As we get older, our bone density naturally starts to decline, which can lead to dental bone loss. This is something many older adults experience, and it can cause issues like loose teeth, misalignment, and even tooth loss.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that among 1,147 participants, 11.2% of women aged 60-67 and 44.9% of men aged 81 and older had gum disease. (9)
Therefore, the older we get, the more likely we are to develop periodontitis, which can result in bone loss in the jaw and lead to long-term dental problems.
Not only that, but a recent study in the Journals of Gerontology found that factors like kidney function and a protein called α-Klotho—known as a marker of biological aging—play a big role in alveolar bone loss (the bone that supports your teeth). (10)
Researchers analyzed data from over 3,600 people, including kidney transplant recipients. They found that lower levels of α-Klotho, which are tied to poor kidney function, were strongly connected to greater jawbone loss.
A follow-up genetic study of nearly 366,000 participants confirmed this, showing that higher α-Klotho levels can lower the risk of bone loss.
In other words, jawbone loss is influenced not only by chronological aging but also by factors like biological aging and kidney health.
Smoking
Smoking isn’t just harmful to your lungs—it’s a major threat to your oral health, especially when it comes to gum disease and dental bone loss.
It weakens gum tissue, making people more prone to infections and increasing their risk of periodontal disease. (11) And it doesn’t stop there—once periodontal disease takes hold, it often leads to the breakdown of the bone that holds your teeth in place.
This has been supported by a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, where Swedish dental hygienists examined the relationship between smoking and the loss of periodontal bone height. (12)
Researchers looked at 210 people aged 24 to 60—30% were smokers, 32% former smokers, and 38% non-smokers.
Using X-rays to measure the bone height between teeth, they found that smokers had an average bone loss of 1.71 mm, compared to 1.45 mm in non-smokers.
Former smokers exhibited an intermediate distance of 1.55 mm.
The extent of bone loss also increased with greater smoking exposure.
Surprisingly, this bone loss wasn’t caused by plaque or infection but was directly linked to smoking. That means that smoking itself is a major culprit in weakening your jawbone.
Nicotine makes things worse by constricting blood vessels, reducing blood flow to your gums, and slowing down healing. (13)
Smokers also tend to have more plaque and bacteria, which contribute to gum disease and even more bone damage. If you’re smoking over 15 cigarettes a day, the risk skyrockets—you’re 4.4 times more likely to lose teeth than someone who’s never smoked. (14)
It’s clear that smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs or overall health—it’s also a major factor in gum disease and tooth loss.
Symptoms of Dental Bone Loss
Dental bone loss can happen slowly, but spotting the signs early can make a big difference in your dental health. Here are some symptoms to keep an eye out for:
Ill-Fitted Dentures: As bone density decreases, dentures may no longer fit properly, causing discomfort and difficulty while chewing.
Shifting Teeth: When bone support is lost, teeth can shift or become misaligned, leading to changes in your bite and overall dental health.
Facial Changes: Bone loss can alter the shape of your face, leading to a sunken appearance and changes in facial contours.
Wrinkles Around the Mouth: The loss of bone support can form wrinkles around the mouth area, affecting aesthetics.
Loose Teeth: Teeth may feel unstable or loose due to lack of support from the surrounding bone.
Inward-Sinking Lips: As the jawbone deteriorates, your lips may appear to sink inward, making you look older.
Chewing Discomfort: Pain or discomfort while chewing can indicate underlying dental issues related to bone loss.
Gaps Between Teeth: As bone diminishes, teeth may drift apart, creating noticeable gaps in your smile.
Dark Triangles Between Teeth: Receding gums from bone loss can create dark triangular spaces between teeth, caused by reduced bone height.
Longer Teeth: Loss of bone support can expose more of the tooth structure, making teeth appear longer.
Persistent Bad Breath: Periodontitis, often linked to dental bone loss, can lead to bad breath due to bacteria producing volatile sulfur compounds. This may also be accompanied by swollen, red, or bleeding gums.
If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent more serious issues, like dental bone loss, from developing in the future.
How to Prevent Bone Loss in Teeth
When it comes to dental health, prevention is always the best approach. By practicing good oral care and making mindful lifestyle and dietary choices, you can protect the health of your teeth and jaw.
This includes taking the following proactive steps now to help you maintain strong, healthy teeth in the long run.
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene is important in preventing dental bone loss. This includes:
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Brushing Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to effectively remove plaque and food particles. Brushing after meals can be beneficial, but waiting 30 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks is important to prevent enamel erosion.
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Flossing Daily: Flossing helps remove debris and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line—areas that a toothbrush may miss. This practice is essential for preventing gum disease, which can lead to bone loss.
- Using Antimicrobial Mouthwash: An antimicrobial rinse can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, lowering the risk of gum disease and bone loss. (15)
Regular dental check-ups are equally important. In fact, the CDC recommends at least annual visits for professional cleanings and examinations, even if you have no natural teeth remaining. (16)
2. Avoid Smoking
As we already know, smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease, which directly contributes to dental bone loss. It reduces blood flow to your gums and weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.
Over time, this creates the perfect environment for gum disease to progress and for bone around your teeth to deteriorate.
The good news is that quitting smoking can significantly improve your gum health and help prevent further bone loss. When you stop smoking, your circulation improves, your immune system strengthens, and your risk of bone deterioration decreases.
This has been supported by a study in the Journal of Nicotine & Tobacco Research, where researchers found that people who quit smoking reduced their risk of periodontitis and experienced better results from periodontal treatments.
Specifically, former smokers showed a 0.2 mm greater gain in attachment levels and a 0.32 mm greater reduction in pocket depth after 12-24 months compared to those who continued smoking. (17)
Therefore, quitting smoking is a critical step in protecting your gum health and preserving the strength of your jawbone.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
A well-rounded diet packed with essential nutrients is key to maintaining not only your overall health but also strong teeth and healthy bones.
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Calcium: Your bones and teeth—including your jawbone—hold about 99% of the calcium in your body. (18) That’s why getting enough calcium is important to keep your jaw strong and your teeth firmly in place. Without it, your jawbone can weaken, increasing the risk of loose teeth and tooth loss.
Adding calcium to your diet is easy. You can get calcium from plenty of tasty foods like bok choy, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, Parmesan cheese, winged beans, oranges, and organic tofu.
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Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, keeping your bones and teeth strong. Without adequate vitamin D, bones can weaken, increasing the risk of fractures and tooth loss.
This nutrient also supports gum health by reducing inflammation, which helps lower the risk of periodontal disease—a major cause of bone loss around teeth. (19)
In fact, research shows that people with sufficient vitamin D levels are less likely to develop gum disease compared to those who are deficient.
Simply put, vitamin D is a powerhouse for more than just bone health. Found in foods like salmon, sardines, oysters, egg yolks, and vitamin D2-rich mushrooms, it also contributes to a healthier smile and stronger teeth.
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Reduced Sugar Intake: Excess sugar triggers inflammation in the body, which can weaken bones and increase the risk of bone loss. (20)
For your teeth, sugar feeds harmful bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease, which can lead to bone loss around your teeth. (21)
By cutting back on sugar, you support stronger bones, healthier teeth, and a well-balanced oral environment, setting the stage for lasting dental and bone health.
4. Take Supplements
If you’re not getting enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet, supplements can be a helpful way to fill the gap and support healthy teeth and a strong jawbone. However, there’s another nutrient you shouldn’t overlook: vitamin E.
Known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin E protects your bone and dental tissue from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This helps prevent damage to bone cells and periodontal tissue, keeping your jawbone strong and your teeth stable. (22)
Research backs this up. Studies show that vitamin E—especially its tocotrienol form—can support bone structure and density, boost osteoblast activity (the cells that build bone), and reduce osteoclast activity (the cells that break bone down). Together, these effects promote healthier, more resilient bones. (23)
However, not all vitamin E supplements are the same, so it’s important to choose wisely.
Many vitamin E products primarily contain tocopherols, which may have a less pronounced effect on bone and dental health due to their lower antioxidant capacity.
If you want to maximize the bone health benefits of vitamin E, choose a supplement that contains pure tocotrienols, a subgroup of vitamin E that is more effective than tocopherols at neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. (24)
The good news?
Annatrol™ Bone Support by Healthy Bones Co. contains DeltaGold® tocotrienol derived from annatto, which is recognized as the only known plant source of tocotrienols with virtually no tocopherols.
This nutrient supports healthy bones by protecting them from oxidative stress associated with aging, which can damage bone tissue.
This is backed by research published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.
In a 12-week study involving 87 postmenopausal women, it was found that those who received DeltaGold® annatto tocotrienol at dosages of 300 and 600 mg daily experienced decreased bone resorption and improved bone formation. (25)
The participants also showed a nearly 100% increase in the BALP/NTX ratio, a measure of bone remodeling, after 12 weeks, along with a reduction of 13-24% in the RANKL/OPG ratio, indicating decreased bone resorption compared to significant increases in the placebo group.
This suggests that these women were able to strengthen their bone health, even during postmenopause when their estrogen levels were at an all-time low, thanks to tocotrienol.
Moreover, by combating inflammation and oxidative stress, annatto tocotrienols can also slow the progression of periodontal disease. (26) (27)
For instance, a study published in Nutrients showed that tocotrienol supplementation helped lower inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), both of which trigger gum inflammation and periodontal disease progression. Over time, this can help mitigate dental bone loss. (28) (29)
In other words, adding annatto tocotrienols to your daily routine through supplementation can help promote better oral and gum health.
Not only that, but Annatrol™ Bone Support also contains 300 mg of geranylgeraniol (GG), a vital building block that supports protein synthesis, muscle health, hormone regulation, and the production of CoQ10 and MK-4 in the body.
It enhances the absorption of MK-4, a nutrient that supports bone health by activating osteocalcin, which binds calcium to the bone matrix. (3)
Moreover, a study published in Clinical Oral Investigations found that GG supplementation can boost oral health by impacting key genes involved in bone and blood vessel growth, helping to protect bone cells. (31)
This is especially important for counteracting the harmful effects of bisphosphonate therapy, which can lead to complications such as bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ).
Common symptoms of BRONJ include localized pain, gum swelling, inflammation, and the loosening of previously stable teeth.
In other words, geranylgeraniol helps protect osteoblasts and promote oral health by reducing the harmful effects of bisphosphonates on both bone and dental health.
Therefore, by taking Annatrol™ Bone Support, you're not only keeping your bones strong and healthy but also actively supporting your dental health as you age.
Beyond the bone and oral health benefits, just two pea-sized capsules of Annatrol™ Bone Support can also…
- Help maintain skin and eye health*
- Promote cardiovascular and circulatory health*
- Promote regulation of healthy metabolic functions*
- Support insulin sensitivity and normal glycemic control*
- Promote a healthy inflammatory response*
- Support antioxidant status*
- Maintain healthy liver function*
- Help mitochondrial function and cellular energy generation*
- Support hormone synthesis*
- Support proper cell membrane construction*
- Provide support for healthy lipid profile and total cholesterol levels*
Don’t let dental bone loss steal your smile.
