Loose Teeth & Bite Problems
Tooth loss as an adult can be a bit troubling. Trying to bite and eat with a loose tooth can be difficult and painful, eventually causing the tooth to become hopeless, requiring extraction. Having a loose tooth as an adult is not necessarily a guarantee that the tooth will need to be extracted but it will need to be treated as soon as possible to save the tooth.
The number one cause for tooth loss in adults is gum disease. Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be treated and its effects reversed if it is caught early. Left untreated, gingivitis can rapidly advance into periodontitis, which is much more severe and the effects of which cannot be reversed.
Symptoms of gingivitis include tender, swollen gum tissue that bleeds when you brush and floss. When plaque is allowed to sit on the gum line, it hardens into tartar and the bacteria from the tartar invade the gum pockets, causing the tissue to become red and swollen. One common treatment of gingivitis or even mild periodontal disease is a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing. During this treatment, your dental hygienist will numb the area being treated to allow them to scale tartar build up from below the gum line. After treatment, the gum tissue will heal closer to the tooth surface to provide the protective barrier necessary for optimal oral health!
Periodontitis causes even more damage than gingivitis. When gingivitis is not treated, the tartar continues to affect the gum tissue to the point that it will recede from the tooth structure, causing the root surface to become exposed. When the tooth roots are exposed, they can be very sensitive and painful for the patient. Additionally, bone structure can begin to deteriorate causing teeth to gradually become loose and unable to withstand normal bite force. Teeth will eventually become so loose that they will fall out on their own or need to be extracted.
While gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, bruxism can also be a contributing factor. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching or grinding which many of us do in our sleep and don't even realize it. Some patients may notice jaw or facial pain upon waking and may experience frequent headaches. When too much force is applied to the teeth, it can stretch the periodontal ligaments that join the teeth to the jaw bone, causing the teeth to become loose. Bruxism can accelerate bone loss and excessive tooth wear. A simple night guard can provide a great level of protection from the stress of bruxism.
If you notice any bleeding during your daily oral hygiene routine, gingivitis might be at play. See your dentist for treatment before it can advance and cause irreparable damage. In the event that you must lose a tooth that has been deemed hopeless, your dentist can provide you with a few options to restore your smile!