Help! My Adult Tooth is Loose

Nothing is more exciting than a loose tooth as a child because it means the Tooth Fairy will be making a stop. However, if a tooth wiggles as an adult, it is a reason to worry. You only get one set of permanent teeth, which is why you need to get to an emergency dentist right away. If you delay treatment, you just might lose your tooth.

Common Causes of a Loose Adult Tooth

Adult teeth should never feel loose. If one suddenly wiggles, it can result from various factors, including:

• Trauma: Accidents or injuries to the mouth can loosen or dislodge a tooth. Often, the tooth can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly, even if it has been fully knocked out.
• Gum Disease: Bacteria in plaque and tartar buildup can infect the gum tissue, which can destroy the supporting structures of teeth with no treatment. Loose teeth are a common complication of advanced gum disease.
• Grinding and Clenching: If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, the friction can loosen and damage your teeth over time.
• Hormone Changes: Women can experience loose adult teeth during pregnancy and menopause because of hormone changes. High levels of estrogen and progesterone can loosen the ligaments and bones in the jaw. Menopause increases the risk of loose teeth because less estrogen causes bone loss. 
• Medications & Health Conditions: Medications and health conditions that affect the body’s ability to absorb calcium can weaken teeth. 

Your dentist will pinpoint the problem to create a personalized solution to preserve your smile.

Treating a Loose Adult Tooth

Resist the urge to wiggle your tooth with your tongue or finger. Keep it as stable as possible. Your emergency dentist will examine your mouth to determine an appropriate treatment, which may include:

• Dental Splint: Loose teeth from an injury can be stabilized with a dental splint that uses the support of adjacent teeth.
• Gum Disease Therapy: Gum disease therapy will stop the infection. However, if too much damage has occurred, it may be better to have your tooth extracted.
• Nightguard: A nightguard provides a protective barrier between your top and bottom teeth if you suffer from bruxism. It will absorb the friction to protect your teeth from damage.
• Extraction: In cases of severe injury or infection, extraction may be the only answer. If a tooth must be removed, your dentist will explain your options to replace it, like a dental implant.

Every tooth is important for your oral and general health. If a tooth is a little wiggly, don’t ignore the problem. If you wait too long, it can fall out, and there will be no visit from the Tooth Fairy.

About Dr. Monica Tiu

Dr. Tiu achieved her dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and has regularly pursued continuing education in advanced services, like anesthesiology. She uses the latest innovations in dentistry to create stunning smiles. Request an appointment through our website or call (410) 567-0729.