Baby teeth are supposed to fall off and give way to permanent teeth. However, when the same thing happens to adults and permanent teeth become loose this is not normal and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
So can a loose tooth be fixed? Short answer, yes. Having a loose tooth does not automatically mean that you will lose the tooth. With the help of a good dentist, a loose tooth can easily be saved in most cases. However, the chances of a loose tooth getting better by itself are very slim. This is why it is so important to make an appointment with your dentist immediately you notice that your tooth has become loose.
So What Are Some Of The Causes Of Loose Teeth In Adults?
Permanent teeth in adults can become loose due to a number of reasons. Your dentist will tell you what has caused your loose teeth when you are in the chair with them. That being said, here are some of the main causes of loose teeth in adults:
1. Gum disease
This is one of the most common causes of loose teeth. When you have gum disease, bacteria build up in your gums causing them to recede from the tooth, making it hard for them to hold the tooth in place. Sometimes these bacteria can also damage the root of the tooth or even the bone itself.
If gum disease is the cause of the weak tooth, treating the underlying cause of the problem is the most important step in getting the loose tooth fixed. Often, this requires that your gums get deeply cleaned and treated to kill any bacteria in them while also getting rid of the plaque below the gum-line. Only then can the loose tooth be stabilised.
2. Trauma or injuries due to accidents, sports or fights
Depending on the extent of the damage, there is a good chance that a loose tooth due to trauma or injury can be saved. Even if you have a very loose tooth, if you get to the dentist on time it is possible to save it. This is why it is very important to get to your dentist as soon as possible in the event of an accident or injury.
3. Excessive stress to the teeth due to grinding or clenching
Clenching or grinding your teeth too hard upon themselves can damage the ligaments that attach the teeth to the bone. Grinding your teeth when you sleep, called bruxism, is a common problem that many people go through. It is a major cause of loose teeth, especially if you have a gum infection or if your teeth have been weakened by decay. Luckily, the damaged ligaments beneath the teeth can be repaired. If you seek help immediately you notice a loose tooth, and if your gums are healthy, a dentist can easily strengthen these ligaments once again with.
So How Do Dentists Fix Loose Teeth?
One of the most common solutions for stabilizing loose teeth in adults is attaching them to neighbouring teeth. This procedure is called splinting and is a temporary solution that takes care of the problem for a few weeks. Splinting helps the gums around the loose tooth to heal and the ligaments beneath the tooth to strengthen around it. The tooth splint is made of resin and wire, which the dentist uses to attach the loose tooth to a neighbouring healthy tooth. Sometimes, an additional plastic splint may be added to further support the loose tooth.
If you have bruxism, your dentist will also recommend a night guard after your loose tooth has been fixed. A removable night guard can go a long way in reducing the effects of bruxism. The night guard also gives the ligaments and gums time to heal while also protecting the teeth and any dental work that has been done.
Are There Cases When Loose Teeth Can’t Be Saved?
Yes. Sometimes, especially if you have extensive damage due to gum disease, your dentist may be unable to save your tooth. If your tooth has also been severely damaged, your dentist may also have no other choice than to pull it out. After your tooth has been extracted, the space left will be filled with an implant or bridge.
Luckily, today’s advances in technology in the dentistry industry have made it possible to save most cases of loose teeth. It is now more likely than ever that your loose tooth will be saved, particularly if you have healthy gums and you make a dentist appointment as soon as possible.
What To Do If You Have A Loose Tooth
1. Give Us A Call
Give us a call here at Aesthetika Dental Studio and make an appointment if you notice that you have a loose tooth. We will advice you on the best course of action.
2. Leave Your Loose Tooth Alone
If you notice that your tooth is loose, do not push it, pull it or wiggle it around with your tongue or finger. Although it may be tempting to do so, you need to resist this urge because it will only further weaken the tooth. If you have been told that the tooth will be removed, do not try to do it yourself. Permanent teeth are more strongly attached to their roots and to the bone than baby teeth. Trying to pull one out runs the risk of over-bleeding, getting infected, or breaking off a piece of the tooth in the socket. Let professionals pull out the tooth.
3. Treat The Tooth Nicely
Do not bite into hard surfaces or foods. Avoid crunchy foods, sticky foods, fruits like apples that need to be bitten into, and foods that tend to stick in your teeth like popcorn. Eat only soft foods. You also need to keep the tooth clean by rinsing your mouth gently with salty water.
Final Thoughts
Hoping that your tooth will heal on its own is frankly a very dumb strategy to take. This almost always leads to the tooth falling off completely. If you feel like something is wrong, do not gamble, make an appointment with your dentist and get your tooth checked out. As you wait for your appointment date, be gentle with that tooth. Eat soft foods, brush with a soft-bristled brush, and rinse your mouth with salt water regularly to keep the area clean and disinfected. As a rule of thumb, the earlier you see your dentist, the higher the chances that he will save your tooth.
People Also Ask:
1. What Do I Do If I Have A Loose Permanent Tooth?
Simple answer: make a dentist appointment. Getting a loose tooth checked out by a dentist is the surest way to save it. The first thing you need to do is call your dentist, then follow his instructions to the latter as you wait for your appointment.
2. Can Receding Gums Grow Back On Their Own?
Gum tissue is different from other body tissues like skin tissue or muscle tissue. Receding gums are gums that have pulled away from the tooth, exposing its roots. They do not grow back, and you need to consult your dentist for a solution if you are experiencing this issue.
3. Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose?
If your teeth feel loose, it is likely due to one of three main causes: gum disease, trauma or bruxism. Of these, gum disease is the most common cause. Gum disease occurs when pockets of bacteria are created between the tooth and the gums, causing them to recede and make the tooth loose. However, the only way to know for sure the reasons behind your loose teeth is to have them checked out by your dentist.
4. How Can I Prevent Loose Teeth?
The best way to stop yourself from having loose teeth is by preventing the most common cause of it: gum disease. You can do this by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly to prevent plaque build up between your teeth, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year. If you do this, you will never suffer from loose teeth due to gum disease. Furthermore, your teeth will be strong enough to stop themselves from getting loose because of other factors such as trauma and bruxism.
