Diseases of the jaw

The jaw is subject to the same diseases and conditions that affect other bones of the body. Bone and metabolic bone disorders can affect the growth of the jaw and its stability.

In addition, benign and cancerous tumors may arise in the jaws. Because of the vital importance of the jaws to talk, eat, and breathe and facial integrity, doctors, dentists and oral surgeons must often work collaboratively to provide optimal care for people with jaw diseases.

Osteoporosis of the jaw

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the loss of bone mass causes bone weakness and increased risk of fractures. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases and skin reports that 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 34 million have decreased bone density, which is a precursor to osteoporosis.

Most people know that osteoporosis affects the spine, hips, arms and bones of the legs – but you cannot realize that osteoporosis also affects the bones of the jaw.

Imperfect ontogenesis

Ontogenesis imperfect is a hereditary disease that is characterized by an alteration of bone formation, causing weakness in bones that break easily. All the bones of the body are affected, including the bones of the jaw.

In addition to increased susceptibility to bone fractures, people with ontogenesis imperfecta tend to have abnormal growth and development of the jaw, reports the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.