Is It Commonly Normal for Adults to Have a Loose Tooth?
No. Adult’s having a loose tooth is not a common situation, and it might signal one of the following:
Gum disease (this is the most common reason), bone loss around that tooth, mouth injury or trauma, teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), loosely fitted dental restorations, and infection/inflammation at the root of the tooth or the surrounding tissue.
The most important thing to remember is that loose teeth will not regain their position, and you need to act before the teeth start to fall out.
General Reasons for a Loose Tooth
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease, or gum disease, is one of the most noted causes of adults having loose teeth. When there is a build-up of bacteria along the gum line, the tissues and bone that support the tooth may become inflamed and harmed. This weakens the foundation of the tooth.
Trauma
Trauma, sports injuries, or accidents that involve the mouth may cause teeth to loosen. The tooth-supporting ligaments may also loosen due to the strains caused by hard foods.
Bruxism
Bruxism may cause teeth to loosen, and also leads to cracked or broken teeth. This may occur during the day, or at night while the person is sleeping, often without their conscious awareness.
Neglecting Oral Care
Neglecting oral care by not brushing, flossing, or going to the dentist, allows plaque to harden and become tartar. Tartar causes the gum to become irritated and leads to bone loss due to the toxins that are released.
Health Related Changes
Certain health conditions such as osteoporosis, along with pregnancy and diabetes, may cause bone or gum loss which in turn may lead to loose teeth. Hormone changes may also cause bone loss.
Actions to Take When a Tooth Becomes Loose
Refrain from Touching or Moving It
When a tooth becomes loose, its movement should be prevented. The soft tissue around the tooth will be damaged with movement or manipulation so avoid it with your fingers or tongue.
Practice Soft Oral Hygiene
While a tooth is loose, it is still important to maintain a regular diet and continue brushing and flossing your teeth. A soft toothbrush will lessen the direct pressure on the loose tooth.
Avoid Undesirable Foods
Choose softer foods and avoid anything that takes a lot of chewing, especially hard foods and snacks like nuts, candies, and ice. These hard foods may aggravate looseness or cause pain.
Lower Bacteria and Inflammation with a Salt Water Rinse
Warm salt water can be very helpful to reduce inflammation or a bacterial infection. Mix a half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse with it. Salt water rinses should be done twice a day.
Use a Nightguard If You Grind or Clench Your Teeth
This grinding or clenching may be the reason to use a nightguard. It will help lessen the pressure and movement to your teeth, plus it will help protect your teeth.
Get to a Dentist as Soon as Possible
Tooth preservation statistically gets higher when treatment initiation occurs within hours of a tooth injury or tooth x-ray diagnosis. Early treatment saves the tooth.
Professionally Treating Loose Teeth
For a patient with gum disease, the dentist must deep clean the gum-scaling quadrant and remove the plaque and tartar that have been building for a period of time under the gumline. This also allows the gum to heal and reattach to the tooth.
Splinting
If a tooth is loose due to injury or trauma, the dentist may stabilize a loose tooth by bonding the loose tooth to its neighboring teeth with a small wire or splint. Stabilization allows the tooth to heal (reattach, or reattach) to the bone naturally.
Bite Adjustments
In the case of teeth grinding or misaligned bites, a dentist may try to obtain a better fit by strategically reshaping the biting surfaces of your teeth and/or suggest a custom mouthguard.
Surgery or Bone Grafting
For a patient with advanced periodontal disease, they may require periodontal surgery or bone grafting to recover the lost bone tissues that support the tooth and those that surround the tooth.
Tooth Replacement
When a tooth is no longer savable, your dentist may suggest getting an implant, bridge, or partial denture. These are done to maintain your bite and avoid shifting.
To Maintain Strong and Healthy Teeth
- Brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do this for 2 minutes, and repeat this 2 times a day.
- Floss every day to remove the plaque between your teeth and along the gumline.
- Schedule a professional tooth cleaning every 6 months.
- Wear a mouthguard for all sports and when sleeping, especially if you grind your teeth.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet. Calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C are essential for strong bones and healthy gums.
When to Contact a Dentist
- When there is a sudden impact or injury to the mouth.
- Inflamed, bleeding gums, a loose tooth, bad breath, or tooth decay.
- Frequent teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Getting timely periodontal treatment can be the difference between losing a tooth and saving it.
Your Smile in Optimal Condition
A loose tooth usually indicates a serious underlying issue, but with proper home care and timely intervention, it is manageable. You may need a periodontal treatment plan, but in the end, it is possible to retain the tooth.
Consistent preventive appointments help in the “stabilization and strengthening of the periodontal tissues.” This is followed by the gentle periodontal care and specific gum therapy.
