The jawbones are subject to the same diseases and conditions that affect other bones of the body. Genetic and metabolic bone disorders can affect jaw growth and stability. Additionally, benign and cancerous tumors may arise in the jawbones. Because of the vital importance of the jaws in speaking, eating, breathing and facial integrity, physicians, dentists and oral surgeons frequently must work collaboratively to provide optimum care for those with jawbone diseases.
Osteoporosis of the Jaw
Osteoporosis is a condition wherein loss of bone mass causes bone weakness and increased fracture risk. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 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, arm and leg bones--but you may not realize osteoporosis also affects the jawbones. In the article "Osteoporosis and Its Implications for Dental Patients," published in 2008 in the "Journal of the American Dental Association," Drs. B. Edwards and C. Migliorati report that osteoporosis of the jaw reduces bone content of the sockets in which the teeth are seated. This increases the risk for premature tooth loss and severe periodontal disease. As with other bones affected by osteoporosis, fragility of the jaws is associated with increased fracture risk.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disorder characterized by defective bone formation, causing weak bones that are easily broken. All bones of the body are affected, including the jawbones. In addition to increased susceptibility to bone fractures, people with osteogenesis imperfecta often have abnormal growth and development of the jaw, reports the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. In a 2007 article published in the "European Journal of Orthodontics," Dr. Pei-Ching Chang and colleagues reported that people with osteogenesis imperfecta commonly have protrusion of the lower jaw and aberrant jaw growth, causing abnormal facial proportions. These abnormalities often cause severe misalignment of the teeth.
Bone Cancer of the Jaw
Bone cancers can arise in the jawbones. Common symptoms include loose teeth, jaw pain, swelling and localized tenderness in the area of the tumor. The American Cancer Society reports osteosarcoma is the most common form of bone cancer. It can occur at any age, although teenagers and young adults are most frequently affected. In older adults, the jaw is a common location for osteosarcoma. According to the National Cancer Institute, surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment for localized osteosarcoma of the jaw. Chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery, depending on individual factors, including whether the tumor was completely removed at the time of surgery. Other cancers that may arise in the jawbones include multiple myeloma, Ewing sarcoma and giant cell tumor.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Oral Health and Bone Disease
- Journal of the American Dental Association: Osteoporosis and Its Implications for Dental Patients
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- European Journal of Orthodontics: The Craniofacial Characteristics of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Patients
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Jaw Tumors
