Loose teeth are normally common in children. However, loose tooth or teeth in an adult is a concern especially if it is painful. This might be a sign of a disease or poor dental care. It is important to take care of your tooth before it develops into a deeper problem. At Manor House Dental, we care for our patients. If you have concerns about your teeth 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?
Loose teeth detached from the bone and gum and are not supported. Adult teeth are supposed to last a lifetime, so if it is loose consult with your dentist.
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 still remain in the socket
- Refrain from smoking if you are a smoker
- Attend regular dental check-ups
- 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 away 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 together 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
- Red or white colouring of the gums, normal coloured gums are 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
2. Pregnancy
Your bones and tissue in your mouth can be affected by raised levels of estrogen and progesterone that is 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.
3. 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. Try and refrain from touching the tooth or teeth that are loosened as it will only loosen it further. The gum supporting the tooth should heal which secures the tooth back into position.
4. 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.
5. 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 weakens the jaw. Ask your doctor about calcium and vitamin D supplements if you are deficient. This will also prevent osteoporosis. Diabetes is also a risk factor that can lead to gum disease so make sure you eat healthily and have regular exercise.
6. Grinding teeth
If you grind your teeth regularly, this will damage the enamel around your tooth but over time, it can also loosen them. This usually happens at night when sleeping. To prevent further damage, wearing a mouthguard at night will allow the teeth to heal and repair.
Can You Tighten A Loose Tooth?
If a tooth is loose because of an injury, for instance, you cannot get it tightened. If you think your tooth could be tightened, contact a dentist and they can help decide whether or not it is possible depending on the circumstances. Your dentist can suggest treatments and remedies after examining the state of your teeth. Your tooth may be removed or replaced with a dental implant or bridge.
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.