Got a Loose Tooth? Here Are 4 Common Reasons Why
Key takeaways:
If your tooth is loose, speaking with a dentist as soon as possible may help save your tooth. They can help identify the cause of the problem and determine what treatments you might need.
There are many reasons that a tooth may become loose. These include gum disease, injury, pregnancy, and osteoporosis.
Treatments are available to improve your oral health and strengthen your teeth.
While a child’s loose tooth is a cause for celebration, a loose tooth as an adult typically is not. If you have a loose tooth, there are simple improvements to your oral health routine that may help. The correct treatment for you depends on the cause of the problem and how long it’s been left untreated.
Let’s discuss why your tooth may be loose and what you can do about it.
What is a loose tooth?
The first step to confirm that your tooth is loose is to place your finger on top of the tooth and try to move it back and forth. If you experience any pain while doing this or feel the tooth moving, then your tooth may be loose.
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If it is loose, it’s important to get treatment as soon as you can. You should speak with your dentist to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
What causes a tooth to become loose?
A tooth will become loose when it’s lost support from surrounding structures. In adulthood, this generally is not something that happens by chance. The gums and bone work together to provide the primary support for your teeth. But sometimes, this bond can break, causing a loose tooth.
Here are four issues that can cause loose teeth.
1. Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common causes of loose teeth. The main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Bacteria can build up on your teeth and around the gum line if they’re not cleaned properly. This may lead to a bacterial infection that can start to destroy your gums.
Gum problems can worsen if left untreated and lead to the loss of bone around your teeth. This advanced stage of periodontal disease may cause teeth to become loose. However, it is possible to treat the infection and bring your gums and bone back to health if the condition is treated early.
2. Injury
Teeth can become loose if they are injured by excessive biting force. This might happen if you clench or grind your teeth at night, a common issue that is also known as bruxism. Crowded teeth can also cause some of your teeth to receive extra force.
Traumatic injury caused by a fall or accident can also damage your gums and bone. A dentist needs to examine your tooth as soon as possible if one is knocked loose.
3. Pregnancy
Pregnancy can bring changes to your entire body, including your teeth and gums. Research shows that 60% to 75% of pregnant women experience gingivitis. This is an early stage of periodontal disease in which the gums become inflamed and start to bleed.
These changes are caused by an increase in levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy. The risk of your teeth becoming loose increases if you leave gingivitis untreated.
4. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disorder that thins the bones. It affects more than 10 million Americans ages 50 and older. It can affect your dental health as well.
Osteoporosis can decrease the strength of the bones of the jaw, which can cause your teeth to become loose.
What are the treatments for a loose tooth?
There are several different treatment options your dentist might suggest, depending on how loose your tooth is. Most treatments are preventative and aimed at saving your tooth. Possible treatments include:
Scaling and root planing: This is a deep cleaning method that will help strengthen and reattach the gums around your loose teeth.
Splinting: If your loose tooth is still attached to the gums, a dentist may use a metal wire to connect it to two neighboring teeth. This stabilizes the tooth and allows the inflamed connective tissue to heal.
Night guard: A removable mouth guard can be worn at night to protect your teeth from the consequences of grinding and clenching.
Extraction: Sometimes, there is too much bone loss around the tooth and it will need to be removed. Speak with your dentist about possible replacement options.
Bone Grafting: This is a surgery in which a bone graft is placed around the damaged area to increase the stability of your tooth. It can also be beneficial after an extraction to prepare the area for implant placement.
How can you reduce the risk of getting a loose tooth?
Good dental hygiene is the key to preventing loose teeth. Some ways to have healthier gums and better supported teeth are to:
Visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups every six months
Floss at least once a day
Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time
Stop smoking or using other tobacco products
Wear a night guard to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding
The bottom line
It’s scary to have a loose tooth. But you can rest assured there are often ways to save your tooth if it’s loose. Doing your part at home to improve your oral health routine is one way to keep your teeth healthy. If you have a loose tooth, seeking treatment as soon as possible will give you the best chance at recovery. Talk to your dental care provider if you are concerned about the health of your teeth.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Academy of Periodontology. (n.d.). Gum disease information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Pregnancy and oral health.
Wright, N. C., et al. (2014). The recent prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass in the United States based on bone mineral density at the femoral neck or lumbar spine. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research: The Official Journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
