What Causes Loose Teeth
Having a loose tooth as a kid can be exciting! As an adult? Not exciting at all. The most common cause of loose teeth in adults is gum disease. Gum disease occurs in stages, beginning with gingivitis and advancing to periodontitis.
Loose Teeth In Adults: Causes
There are a number of things that can lead to loose teeth in adults. As we mentioned, the number one cause is gum disease which is a direct result of poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush and floss on a regular basis or if you skip your regular dental cleanings, plaque will harden into tartar which can build up in the space between your gum tissue and your teeth. Your dentist can catch gingivitis during your routine cleanings, before it worsens, and can treat the infection to stop inflammation and even reverse any damage that may have occurred.
When tartar is allowed to sit in the gum pockets, the bacteria in the tartar attacks your gum tissue and the surrounding bone. But if you fail to visit your dentist at least twice a year, gingivitis can advance and become much more problematic.
Symptoms of gingivitis include tender and puffy gums, bleeding during brushing and flossing, and even gum recession. Gingivitis can be treated and any damage done can usually be reversed if it is caught early enough but if it is not, gingivitis will progress into more advanced stages of gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can become periodontitis which is harder to treat and the effects of which cannot be reversed without additional treatment.
Periodontitis is a much more aggressive form of gum disease and can lead to not only severe gum recession but also bone deterioration. When your teeth do not have the proper support they need from gum tissue, surrounding ligaments, and job and structure, they will become loose.
Additional Causes
Clenching and/or grinding your teeth, called bruxism, is another major factor that can cause loose teeth in adults. Bruxism can cause you to feel pain in your jaw or face upon waking and even headaches during the day. Bruxism can be very hard on the teeth because they endure much more pressure than usual and the grinding can cause teeth to wear down and become loose. A night guard is a simple way to help prevent bruxism during sleeping hours and can relieve symptoms.
Injury or trauma can also cause patients to have loose teeth. If you have a fall or are in an accident, getting hit in the mouth can lead to teeth becoming loose. If you suffer an injury to your mouth, see your dentist as soon as possible, even if you do not notice a problem right away. The ligaments that attach the teeth to the gum tissue and bone can be damaged and allow the tooth to loosen in the socket. While there isn’t really a way to prevent a fall or other accident, it is beneficial to wear a mouthguard when playing sports to prevent any dental or oral damage.
It is important to practice good oral hygiene daily and to visit your dentist at least twice a year to keep your mouth healthy. Prevention is the best way to care for your oral health!