When a child at a certain age has a loose baby tooth, it is quite normal, but when such a problem occurs in an adult, it may indicate an injury or disease. Treatment depends on the cause and may include correcting the bite, wearing a mouth guard, or even surgery.
Why, when a tooth wobbles is not normal
When a permanent tooth is loose, it always indicates a problem. Seeing a dentist as soon as you notice symptoms can help save your tooth.
Some teeth can be made strong again with non-surgical procedures, such as professional teeth cleaning and improved oral hygiene at home. In other cases, surgery may be needed to restore or remove a loose tooth.
But delaying for too long can lead to more serious complications, such as pain, swelling, and infection.
Symptoms
Usually, a person notices that his tooth wobbles while brushing, flossing, or eating. There may also be difficulties when biting. You can feel the tooth wobble by touching it with your tongue or finger.
You may also have symptoms such as:
- red sensitive gums;
- bleeding gums;
- swelling of the gums;
- gum recession;
- tooth discoloration.
What causes loose teeth
Baby teeth in children loosen and fall out when permanent (adult) teeth break through the gums.
Causes of loose teeth in adults include:
- Gum disease (periodontal disease). Periodontitis destroys the bone and ligaments that support the teeth. It is the most common cause of tooth decay and tooth loss among adults worldwide.
- Tooth trauma. Oral injuries, like sports-related accidents, can cause one or more teeth to become loose.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism). Grinding or clenching your teeth can lead to tooth movement over time.
- Pregnancy. The surges in progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can temporarily weaken the tissues that support teeth. Doctors call it gingivitis during pregnancy. Women with gingivitis during pregnancy usually find that their symptoms resolve after giving birth.
- Menopause. During menopause, the body begins to produce less estrogen, which can lead to a loss of bone density. As the jawbone becomes weaker, this increases the risk of loose teeth.
- Medicines and accompanying diseases. Calcium builds strong bones, but it’s also important for strong, healthy teeth. Certain medications, in particular anticonvulsants, can make it difficult for the body to absorb calcium. If these medications are taken regularly over a long period of time, they can cause the teeth to become weak and loose. Many other medications, including oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and pain relievers, can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay. Certain health problems can also increase your risk of developing gum disease, a common cause of loose teeth. These include: HIV, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis.
What complications can a loose tooth lead to?
If you have a loose tooth, it can lead to:
- problems with bite (incorrect bite);
- difficult chewing;
- excessive pressure on neighboring teeth.
How to treat a loose tooth
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the reason why the tooth began to shake. If the tooth is loose, caused by trauma or chronic grinding of the teeth, the dentist may recommend non-surgical treatment, such as:
- Bite correction. Orthodontic treatment will relieve excess pressure on the maxillofacial system and allow the wobbly tooth to stabilize.
- Hood. If you grind your teeth, this device can protect your teeth from excessive pressure and damage.
- Splinting. If your loose tooth has not come off the gums, splinting may help. During this procedure, the dentist will fix the tooth. This can give your loose tooth extra support and keep it from moving while it heals.
If a tooth is loose due to poor dental hygiene and/or gum disease, the dentist can try to save the tooth with a professional deep cleaning. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the infection from the mouth. Once the infection is cleared, there is a good chance that the gums will heal and tighten around the tooth.
If your loose teeth have caused gum disease, you may need surgical treatment:
- building bone tissue;
- bone plastic;
- gum plastic;
- flap surgery.
It happens that a tooth that is wobbly cannot be saved. In this case, the dentist will most likely recommend removing the tooth and replacing it with a prosthesis or an implant.
How to strengthen a loose tooth at home
Permanent teeth that are loose require professional treatment. Postponing a visit to the dentist usually only worsens the symptoms. But there are things you can do to take care of a loose tooth until you get to the dentist’s office:
- rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation;
- avoid hard or crunchy food;
- rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.
Taking these steps won’t fix a loose tooth, but they can reduce the risk of further complications.
How to prevent loose teeth
You cannot always prevent loose teeth, as some causes (such as accidents and injuries) are unavoidable. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk of loose teeth in general:
- practice good oral hygiene;
- avoid smoking and vaping;
- if you grind your teeth, wear a mouth guard at night;
- also wear a mouth guard during contact sports;
- get enough calcium and vitamin D;
- visit your dentist regularly.
When a loose tooth in an adult is an emergency
If you’ve had an injury that caused your tooth to move, such as a car accident or sports injury, see your dentist right away. A fully or partially knocked out tooth is an urgent dental problem. In some cases, dentists can stabilize loose teeth. But stabilization is most successful when treatment begins within an hour of the injury.