Permanent Tooth Feels Loose
There are a number of reasons that adults find themselves with a loose tooth and, unfortunately, it is usually cause for concern. After we lose all of our baby teeth, our permanent teeth are meant to last for the rest of our lives but endure a lot of wear and tear along the way. Let's take a look at some of the reasons that you may experience loose teeth as an adult and what treatments are available.
What causes permanent teeth to become loose?
Gum Disease
Gum disease is the number one reason for permanent teeth to become loose in adult patients. When patients fail to visit their dentist regularly along with poor oral hygiene practices, they are likely to develop gum disease. Gum disease presents in the form of gingivitis before progressing into advanced periodontitis. Patients with underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis or diabetes need to take special care to practice good oral hygiene. It is vital to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day in conjunction with visits to your dentist at least twice a year. Patients with periodontal disease may require more frequent cleanings to keep everything under control.
Trauma
Dental trauma is pretty hard to avoid but there are steps you can take to prevent injury where you can. Patients who participate in sports will greatly benefit from a mouthguard during the game to prevent the teeth from being injured in the case of a hit to the face. In the case of a fall or accident, you should see your dentist as soon as possible for an exam and x-ray to make sure everything is stable. Even if you don't notice a loose tooth directly after an accident, it can begin to feel loose after a day or two.
Your dentist can try to save a loose tooth by attaching a splint to the surface of the loose tooth then bonding it to the teeth next to it. The splint will support your tooth while the damaged ligaments recover and your tooth strengthens.
Lifestyle
Patients who smoke regularly are more likely to have bone loss and therefore are at higher risk for tooth loss. If you are a smoker, it is vital to floss your teeth at least once a day if not twice a day and to visit your dentist at least twice a year if not more frequently for professional cleanings.
Bruxism is another culprit that can lead to loose teeth in adult patients. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and grinding that most of us do in our sleep and some of us do during waking hours. Stress can exacerbate bruxism which causes an abnormal amount of pressure on the teeth leading to excessive wear and looseness. Your dentist can fit you for a night guard to wear when you sleep that will help protect your teeth from the negative effects of bruxism by providing a buffer between the upper and lower teeth.
It is vital to see your dentist right away when you notice a loose tooth. Without treatment, the tooth will likely become hopeless and either fall out on it’s own or require extraction.