A child’s loose tooth frequently denotes a positive life transition. However, a loose tooth is no longer common once a person reaches adolescence. Finding a loose tooth can be scary. There are some benign reasons why adults develop loose teeth. Others require the assistance of a dental expert in order to preserve the tooth, have it removed, or have an implant or bridge put in its place.
This article discusses loose teeth treatments as well as causes, symptoms, and preventative measures that can be taken.
What are the Causes of a Loose Adult Tooth?
In general, teeth do not fall out on their own. A loose tooth can be caused by a variety of internal and external factors. Oral trauma of any kind, poor dental health, and underlying conditions are common causes.
Trauma
One of the most recurring reasons for loose adult teeth is dental trauma brought on by a fall, a sports injury, or another accident. It’s important to see a dentist right away to make sure the tooth root and surrounding gums haven’t been damaged, even though some traumatic injuries may heal on their own.
Gum Disease
It is very likely that periodontitis is to blame if your tooth suddenly becomes loose. Periodontitis, also referred to as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that erodes the gums, soft tissues, and bones supporting your teeth.
Your gums may recede as the disease worsens, and your permanent teeth may become loose. Bad breath, bleeding gums when flossing, and swollen, sensitive gums are some additional signs of advanced gum disease.
Stress
Bruxism, a condition where people grind or clench their teeth frequently out of stress, can eventually make your teeth lose. Unaware of it, many people grind their teeth at night.
Pregnancy and Menopause
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause can also have an impact on your dental health. During pregnancy, higher levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone can temporarily loosen the jaw’s ligaments and bones.
The body begins to produce less oestrogen during menopause, which can result in a loss of bone density. The likelihood of having loose teeth increases as the jawbone ages.
Medications & Underlying Conditions
Although calcium is known to help create strong bones, it is also crucial for strong and healthy teeth. Unfortunately, when taken regularly for a prolonged time, some medications, such as anti-seizure drugs like phenytoin, make it much more difficult for the body to absorb calcium, which can weaken and loosen teeth.
Treatment Options for Loose Adult Teeth
There are several ways a dentist can help save a loose adult tooth, depending on the severity of the problem and how fast it is discovered.
Non-surgical Treatments
- Dental Splinting: By using splints, which involve bonding the loose tooth to the neighbouring teeth with fibres and special resins, a dentist may be able to save the tooth. Splinting prevents the need for dental implants and tooth extraction when a tooth is loose.
- Deep Cleaning: Your dentist may try to save the tooth using a deep cleaning if a tooth is loose as a result of poor dental hygiene and/or gum disease. A dental hygienist will remove the infection that has spread into the gumline and caused the gums to recede during a deep cleaning. There is a good chance that the gums will heal and tighten up around the tooth once the infection has been treated.
Surgical Treatments
- Tissue and bone grafting: Involves adding artificial or natural bone to the area around the weak root to aid in the growth of new bone and gum tissue. When gum disease is present, which diminishes the bone supporting the diseased gum, this procedure is frequently performed.
- Guided-tissue regeneration (GTR): Barrier membranes are used during this surgical procedure to promote tissue regeneration in areas where periodontitis has destroyed it.
- Flap surgery: Done to make cleaning easier by removing the calculus that has built up in the deep pockets of the gum. A person’s gum is back-lifted during the procedure to remove tartar and then placed back in its original position. Your gums will fit tightly around your teeth if everything goes according to plan and the procedure is successful.
How to Prevent Loose Teeth
Good Oral Hygiene
In order to prevent loose teeth, it’s crucial to practise good oral hygiene. This entails maintaining a healthy diet free of sweetened beverages and snacks, brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing in between your teeth, drinking lots of water, and practising good oral hygiene.
Not Smoking
Smoking increases the amount of dental plaque that forms in the mouth and hastens the development of gum disease. We advise you to stop smoking or cut back on how much you smoke in order to take care of your dental health.
Regular Dental Checkups
You can check the health of your gums and teeth by getting regular dental checkups. This will assist you in identifying gum disease’s early warning signs so you can effectively stop loose teeth and safeguard your dental health.
Conclusion
The best defence against a loose adult tooth is good dental hygiene. This calls for daily oral hygiene, in addition to routine checkups and deep cleanings. With the appropriate procedure, your dentist might be able to tighten a loose tooth and save it.
We provide specialised services for anxious patients if you would like to discuss a loose tooth treatment option at Perfect Smile Dental. When you contact us to make an appointment today, you’ll see that our staff is welcoming and competent.