Causes of Loose Teeth
Tooth loss is an unfortunate dental issue that has a number of possible causes and often, a tooth will become loose before it is ultimately lost. Age, genetics, lifestyle, life changes, and accidents are all factors that can come into play when a patient finds themselves with loose teeth. Missing teeth can lead to a drop in self esteem and quality of life and is very important to treat. Let’s take a closer look at some of the possible causes of loose teeth.
What causes teeth to become loose?
Trauma
Any sort of trauma to the mouth can cause a tooth to become loose such as taking a hit during a sporting event or a car accident or fall. When damage is inflicted on the ligaments that connect the tooth to the jaw bone, they can allow a tooth to begin to wobble and become loose.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is most often a result of poor oral hygiene. Early stages of gum disease presents as gingivitis, chronic gum inflammation and bleeding upon hygiene. Left untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis can cause gum recession and bone loss, both of which cause loose teeth.
Gum disease can be diagnosed by your dentist and if caught early, can be treated and the negative effects may be reversed. This is a prime example of why it is so very important to properly brush and floss your teeth daily! Regular visits to your dentist can help you catch gum disease early, treat it, and keep your gums healthy.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that many of us do in our sleep. Bruxism often causes jaw pain and even frequent headaches. Patients that suffer from bruxism may notice loose teeth. Using a night guard when you sleep can greatly improve your quality of sleep and provide relief from the effects of bruxism.
Lifestyle
One major factor in bone health is the use of tobacco products. Smoking increases your risk of bone loss on top of other major health concerns such as cancer. If you smoke, you should make sure to floss more frequently than once a day.
Life Changes
Hormonal changes in the body can actually lead to gum disease and loose teeth. Pregnancy and menopause can have a negative impact on oral health but are often resolved once hormones are regualted and does not usually result in tooth loss.
However, the aging process can be rough on teeth! As we age, natural loss of bone mass can be expected but patients that have been diagnosed with bone disease, such as osteoporosis, bone loss can be detrimental to oral health. Patients with osteoporosis are at a higher risk of tooth loss because the bone structure holding teeth in place begins to weaken as bone disease progresses. As bone density lessens, the jaw is unable to hold teeth in place.
If you notice loose teeth, speak with your dentist to set up an evaluation to diagnose any underlying issues.