If you’re an adult, your permanent teeth are supposed to be just that: permanent. If you have a loose or wobbly tooth, contact your dentist straight away to get to the bottom of the issue. There are a few reasons why you might have a loose tooth and in some cases it might tighten back up on its own but in most cases, dental intervention will be necessary.
Do I Have A Loose Tooth?
It may have been a long time since you lost a baby tooth but you probably remember the feeling. If your adult tooth is wobbly or loose, you may also be seeing bleeding when brushing or flossing and your gums may also appear swollen. If this is the case, call your dentist to see if they can fix your loose tooth.
What Causes A Loose Tooth?
There are several things that can give you a loose tooth or loose teeth as an adult.
- Impact or Injury
If you are hit in the mouth while participating in sports, for example, or you fall, this can cause damage to your teeth to the point of loosening or even knocking them out. - Damage from Bruxism
Bruxism, or grinding and clenching your teeth and jaws is quite common in adults. Severe cases can result in the tissue weakening enough to loosen your teeth. - Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the most common reason for loose teeth in adults. Gum disease due to poor oral hygiene can result in the gums receding from the teeth, making them loose and potentially leading to the tooth falling out. - Pregnancy
The change in hormones during pregnancy can also cause a change in the periodontium, the tissues anchoring your teeth in your jaws. This means that your teeth can feel loose during pregnancy although this should be temporary.
Can A Loose Tooth Be Fixed?
This depends on the reason for the loose tooth and how soon you receive treatment for it.
- Loose Tooth From Impact or Injury
This is likely to be permanent damage which won’t fix itself. If you suffer a dental emergency, see a dentist as soon as possible to see if the tooth can be saved. If the tooth can’t be fixed, a likely solution is to remove it and replace it with an implant. - Loose Tooth From Grinding Teeth
If seen early enough, there is a chance to save your teeth from weakening further if you are clenching and grinding them at night. Your dentist can create a custom fitted mouthguard to wear while you sleep to protect your teeth and jaws from further damage. - Loose Teeth From Gum Disease
Again, early intervention is the key here. If caught early, gum disease is reversible and your teeth do have a chance of tightening back up. Deep dental cleanings can help clean bacteria out of the roots of your teeth and below the gumline. If the gum disease is too severe, teeth can be replaced with dental implants or dental bridges. - Loose Teeth During Pregnancy
Any loose teeth you may experience during pregnancy should tighten back up on their own in due course. If you are experiencing loose teeth during pregnancy, it’s probably a good idea to see a dentist anyway to rule out other issues such as gum disease.
What To Do If You Have Loose Teeth
Fixing a loose tooth is sometimes possible, although it depends on the reason why it is loose and how soon you seek treatment for it. Patients in Lakewood, CO can rely on the team at Callahan & Klein Dental to provide the best advice and treatment if you are experiencing loose teeth. Contact the office today to schedule your appointment.
