Loose teeth are a common occurrence in children, but if an adult’s tooth is loose and painful, it’s a cause for concern. It is crucial to take care of loose teeth as soon as possible to prevent further issues from developing.
At Manor House Dental, we care for our patients. If you have concerns about your wobbly tooth, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will help you and keep you at ease. Keep reading to find out what you should do if you feel a loose tooth.
My Teeth Are Loose What Can I Do?
Adult teeth are designed to stay in place for a lifetime, and when they feel loose, it means they are not receiving proper support from both the gum and bone.
If your tooth has just become loose, take these critical steps:
- Book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible
- Eat soft foods to prevent more damage
- Keep the loose tooth clean by rinsing carefully with mouthwash
- Try not to wiggle or pick the loose too as this can cause greater damage
- Floss your teeth once a day and brush your other teeth thoroughly twice a day
- Don’t try and remove the tooth yourself, as this can cause infection, bleeding and fragments of the tooth could remain in the socket
- Refrain from smoking if you are a smoker
- Be aware of any medications you take that could affect your teeth
Causes of A Wobbly Tooth
1. Gum Disease
Gum disease is the most common cause of a wobbly tooth. It is caused by a build-up of tartar and bacteria around the gum line, eroding any bone and tissue. Fortunately, there are two things you can do to improve your teeth. A new technique called a splinting procedure can be used if you have a wobbly tooth as it involves attaching weak teeth and strengthening and healing the gum around it. A deep clean can also fix this problem if the tooth is slightly loose.
Signs that you have gum disease:
- Bleeding gums
- The red or white colouring of the gums (normally pink)
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Gum abscess
- Formation of deep pockets between gums and teeth
- Pregnancy
Your bones and tissue in your mouth can be affected by raised levels of oestrogen and progesterone that are found during pregnancy. These changes normally resolve after pregnancy and are not a worrying issue. During pregnancy, you should visit your dentist regularly if you are experiencing loose teeth or pain to rule out gum disease or any other oral health issues.
- Mouth Injury
If you have been involved in an incident that left you with an injury directly to the mouth or lower face, this will cause your teeth to loosen.
- Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone density causing bones and gums to weaken. It is normally seen in women over the age of 50. This disease can lead to receding gums and tooth loss. If you detect early signs, the best way to prevent osteoporosis is by increasing your calcium intake to strengthen your jaw.
Warning signs of osteoporosis:
- Cramps and bone pain
- Fracture
- Height loss
- Receding gums – bone loss
- Weakened grip strength
- Brittle fingernails
Get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible if you are worried about your loose tooth or have been experiencing symptoms of osteoporosis.
- Medications
Prescribed medications can be beneficial, however, there are always some side effects. There are medications such as steroids and acid reflux that can cause calcium deficiencies which weaken the jaw. Diabetes is also a risk factor that can lead to gum disease so make sure you eat healthily and exercise regularly.
- Grinding teeth
If you grind your teeth often this will damage the enamel around your teeth and over time, it can loosen them. This usually happens at night when sleeping. To prevent further damage, wear a mouthguard at night as this will allow the teeth to heal and repair.
Contact Manor House Dental for Urgent Dental Care
Whether your permanent tooth is wobbly or has fallen out completely, you should get emergency treatment from a dentist. At Manor House Dental, our dentists are fully equipped to help with treatment and perform procedures safely. Book an appointment with us and we will find a solution to your problem.