We all lose our baby teeth and forget about it. But it can be pretty frightening when a permanent tooth comes loose!
Loose Tooth: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
While a loose tooth is usually nothing to worry about, there are a few things you should know.
Accompanying Symptoms
An adult with a loose tooth will likely exhibit other symptoms, such as gum recession or redness and swelling.
If you have a loose tooth, don’t assume that it’s due to poor dental hygiene. In fact, a loose tooth is often completely unrelated to how well you take care of your teeth.
Having said that, problems with your gums could very well be a sign of an underlying condition.
Reasons For a Loose Tooth
There is a bevy of reasons why an adult tooth may become loose. The most common reason is gum disease.
When gums become inflamed, they can pull away from the teeth and cause the roots to become exposed. It’s then easier for bacteria to enter the root canal and cause the tooth to become loose.
Other reasons for a loose tooth include:
· Trauma to the mouth
· Clenching or grinding your teeth
· Braces or other dental appliances
· Infection
What to Do If You Have a Loose Tooth
If you have a loose tooth, you must see your dentist right away. They’ll examine and figure out the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
In the meantime, there’s a handful of things you can do to ease your discomfort and keep the tooth as healthy as possible:
· Use a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling
· Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary
· Gently floss around the tooth
· Avoid hard or crunchy foods
· Brush your teeth gently
· Do not try to wiggle or pull the tooth on your own
A loose tooth shouldn’t be a cause for concern in most cases. However, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to rule out any serious problems.
Treatment Options for a Loose Tooth
Once we’ve examined your mouth, we’ll explain the best course of treatment.
Extraction – If the tooth is too damaged to be saved, we may recommend extraction. A loose tooth can be replaced with an implant or bridge in some scenarios.
Oral Medication/Rinse – If your loose tooth is due to gum disease, we may prescribe an oral medication or rinse. These can help to reduce the inflammation and bacteria in the gums.
Braces – In some cases, braces can stabilize a loose tooth. This is usually only recommended for children or teenagers.
Dental Appliance – If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, we may recommend a custom dental appliance. This will help to protect your teeth and prevent further damage.
Soft Tissue Graft – If your gums have receded, you may need a soft tissue graft. This involves taking tissue from another area of the mouth and attaching it to the gums.
Bone Graft – If you have lost bone due to periodontal disease, you may need a bone graft. This involves using bone from another part of the body or synthetic bone to replace the lost bone.
As you can see, there are a number of solutions for a loose tooth. The best one will depend on the underlying cause of the problem.
Preventive Measures
The best way to prevent a loose tooth is to regularly practice good oral hygiene habits and see your dentist.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash will keep your mouth healthy and reduce the risk of gum disease.
Coming to our office every six months for a cleaning and checkup is crucial. This will allow us to catch any problems early and recommend treatment if necessary.