What is a Loose Tooth?
A loose tooth is a tooth that wiggles or feels unsteady in its socket. It can be a normal part of childhood development, but in adults, it often indicates an underlying issue like trauma or disease. Don’t wait to see your dentist if you notice a loose tooth. Early treatment can help you save the tooth.
You can fix some loose teeth without surgery by improving your oral hygiene and taking better care of your mouth. However, other loose teeth might require surgery for repair or removal.
If you wait too long to see a dentist, you could get worse problems, like pain, swelling, and infection.
What Causes Loose Teeth in Adults?
Adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime. If yours is loose, there’s a reason behind it.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a problem caused by bad dental hygiene. If you don’t brush, floss, and see the dentist regularly, tartar and bacteria can build up under your gums and cause an infection. This infection can make your gums pull away from your teeth.
However, it is treatable, especially if you catch it early. Yes, if your loose tooth is caused by gum disease, it might tighten back up if you get treatment and take better care of your teeth.
Injury
A fall or blow to the face can make your teeth chip, break, or become loose. Grinding or clenching your teeth can also wear down the tissue around your teeth and make them loose. If your loose tooth is caused by grinding or clenching, your dentist might be able to help you with a special mouth guard.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your hormones can change and affect the tissues that hold your teeth in place. This can make your teeth feel loose. These changes should go away after you give birth. But if your teeth feel loose during pregnancy, see your dentist to make sure it’s not something else, like gum disease. And remember, it’s safe to see the dentist while you’re pregnant.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding or clenching your teeth can make them loose over time.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones. It can make your bones break more easily. While osteoporosis usually affects your hips, spine, and wrists, it can weaken any bone in your body.
Can Loose Teeth Be Saved?
There are different ways to save your loose tooth. The best treatment depends on the cause of your problem and its severity.
Scaling and Root Planing
If your loose tooth is a result of mild gum disease, a deep cleaning treatment known as scaling and root planing can be effective in addressing the issue.
Extraction
Your dentist can remove the tooth and replace it with a dental implant or bridge.
Bone Graft
Your dentist may recommend bone grafting to help secure a loose tooth. This procedure involves adding bone around the tooth to hold it in place. Dentists sometimes use a dental implant along with bone grafting.
Night guard
If you grind your teeth, your dentist will recommend a night guard after your loose tooth is fixed. A night guard can help protect your teeth and any dental work, and it can give your gums and ligaments time to heal.
In Short
Don’t risk losing your tooth by hoping it will heal on its own. If you notice something’s wrong, see a dentist right away. While you wait for your appointment, be careful with your teeth. Eat soft foods, use a soft toothbrush, and rinse your mouth with salt water to keep it clean. The sooner you see a dentist, the better your chances of saving your tooth.
Are you experiencing a loose tooth? Our experienced team at Citrus Smiles Dental Studio can provide expert care and treatment options. Call our Murphy dental clinic at (972) 472-8862, our Wylie dental clinic at (972) 474-3849, or our Heath dental clinic at (972) 433-6500.