What To Do If Your Adult Tooth Comes Loose: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

A loose tooth might be interesting as a child because it means the tooth fairy is coming. On the other hand, a loose tooth as an adult is significantly more problematic. When adult teeth start moving, it’s time to take action. Therefore, what causes adult teeth to start loosening up, and is it possible to stop them from falling out? 

Visiting your dentist immediately when you notice symptoms may help you recover a loose tooth. Sometimes loose teeth can be tightened again using nonsurgical methods such as dental cleanings and good oral hygiene at home. 

In some situations, you may require oral surgery to tooth extract or replace the loose tooth. However, neglecting dental care for too long may lead to more serious problems like pain, infection, and swelling.

Common Causes of Loose Teeth in Adults

Teeth typically do not fall out on their own. Several internal and external reasons might cause a loose adult tooth.

Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Periodontitis, another name for gum disease, is one of the main reasons why people lose their teeth. It happens when bacteria grow around the gum line. It results in infection and irritation. As time passes, this damages the gum tissue and supporting bone, causing teeth to become loose.

These are the key symptoms you should watch out for:

• Gum bleeding, particularly during brushing or flossing

• Red, swelling, or sensitive gums

• Tooth movement or displacement

• Gums that recede, revealing more of the tooth's surface, might require a gum graft procedure.

If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and other major health issues, which might require dental x-rays for diagnosis.

Trauma or Injury

Another cause of loose teeth is physical trauma to the mouth. This may occur because of:

• Mishaps or falls

• Sports-related injuries

• Biting down on anything hard

Sudden impact can injure the ligaments and bones that hold up the teeth, causing movement. Trauma can sometimes weaken a tooth's structure over time rather than causing it to fall out instantly.

Here are the signs of trauma you need to check for:

• Pain or discomfort with the impacted tooth

• Swelling or redness surrounding the gums

• Visible movement or displacement of the teeth

Emergency dental care might help stabilize the tooth and avoid additional damage.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is an involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, usually occurring while sleeping. This high pressure can erode tooth enamel and weaken the supporting tissues gradually.

The common symptoms of bruxism are:

• Persistent pain or irritation in the jaw, particularly in the morning, might indicate the need for root canal treatment.

• Worn-down or flattened teeth may require solutions like dental crowns to restore their shape.

• Headaches or Earaches

• Sensitivity or mobility of teeth

A nightguard can help avoid further decay by decreasing pressure on the teeth while sleeping.

Bone Loss or Health Conditions

Some medical problems, like osteoporosis, can reduce jawbone density, making teeth more vulnerable to loosening. Additional medical problems that might cause tooth loss include: 

• Diabetes: It raises the risk of gum disease.

• Autoimmune diseases: They impact the health of the gums and bones.

• Vitamin deficiencies: Calcium and vitamin D deficiency can damage bones.

Maintaining general health and treating underlying issues might help you have healthy teeth and gums. 

Other Factors

• Pregnancy hormones: Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone throughout pregnancy may lead ligaments and bones in the jaw to loosen up, although these effects are only temporary. This disappears after childbirth. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can make the gums more sensitive, which can result in swelling and loose teeth. 

• Occlusal Trauma (Misaligned Bite): A crooked bite might require orthodontic solutions like Invisalign. To fix the problem, orthodontic treatment or bite improvements could be required.

Should You Worry About a Loose Tooth?

A moderately loose tooth can be temporary and controllable, particularly if it is caused by minor trauma or grinding. But if you observe noticeable discomfort, bleeding, or mobility, it can be a sign of a major problem such as gum disease or bone loss that has to be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.  For multiple missing teeth, dentures could be an option.

Early intervention can help reduce tooth loss and improve your dental health. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult our experienced dental team quickly in Salaberry, Montreal and Verdun. At Clinique Dentaire Cartier, our dentists provide dental veneers and cosmetic dentistry treatments to help stabilize and fix loose teeth to maintain your smile and dental health, consider options like teeth whitening. For comprehensive solutions, trust us with your needs for full mouth rehabilitation.

What to Do If Your Tooth Feels Loose

If one of your permanent teeth feels uncomfortable, don't overlook it.

Immediate Actions

Follow these steps if you are dealing with a loose tooth:

• Avoid wiggling or touching the tooth: Uncontrolled movement can further weaken the supporting structures.

• Stick to soft foods: Stay away from sticky, crunchy, or solid food that might put pressure on the loose tooth.

• Maintain oral hygiene gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush with it. Then rinse with salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash to lower the chance of infection.

• Use a mouthguard: When you notice teeth grinding (bruxism), use a nightguard so that it can help prevent your teeth from further damage.

If the tooth continues to feel loose, contact a dentist immediately to diagnose the cause and receive proper treatment.

Treatment Options for Loose Teeth

The sooner the problem is identified, the more likely a dentist will be able to fix a loose adult tooth with the proper treatment.

Non-surgical Treatments 

• Splinting: If the tooth has become loose due to an accident, your dentist might want to splint it. Splinting is a temporary fix, and for lasting solutions like dental fillings or other restorations, consult a dentist. It is only a temporary solution because composite bonding is not long-lasting.

• Deep Cleaning: If a tooth has become loose possibly due to improper oral hygiene or gum recession, your dentist might try to protect it with a deep cleaning. A dental hygienist will eliminate an infection that has spread into the gumline, resulting in the gums receding. There is a strong possibility that the gums may recover and tighten surrounding the tooth once the infection has been removed.

Surgical Treatments

• Tissue and bone grafting: In the bone grafting surgery, synthetic or natural bone is placed over the weakening root to stimulate the regeneration of new bone and gum tissue. When there is periodontal disease, which affects the bone around the infected gum, this type of procedure is often needed.

• Flap surgery: This is done to remove the calculus that has gathered in the gum's deep cavities, which makes cleaning simpler. Throughout the treatment, the gum is moved back to remove tartar and then replaced. If everything goes well and the procedure is successful, your gums will form a tight seal surrounding your teeth.

• Guided-tissue regeneration (GTR): This surgical treatment uses barrier membranes to encourage tissue regeneration in periodontitis-affected areas.

When the tooth can't be recovered, it might have to be pulled and fixed by a dental implant or other prosthodontic solutions might be considered.

Preventing Loose Teeth in the Future

Although a person cannot always avoid losing a tooth, they can lower their risk by taking some precautions. Here are some tips regarding the health of your teeth and gums:

• Cleaning your teeth properly twice a day.

• Flossing at least one time daily

• Staying away from smoking

• Getting regular dental examinations and cleanings

• When participating in sports, wearing a mouthguard that fits adequately

• When grinding or clenching at sleep is a concern, wear a biting splint.

• Consult your doctor about calcium and vitamin D supplements to help avoid osteoporosis.

• Controlling diabetes because it increases the risk of developing gum disease

• Becoming aware of medications that may impact the teeth

FAQ’s 

Can a loose tooth in adults heal on its own?

When a tooth is only minimally loose, it may heal on itself. Dentists might suggest patients refrain from using the loose tooth so that it can heal.  It may also be needed for patients to stay away from certain foods and drinks while they are recovering. 

Is a loose tooth always a sign of gum disease?

A loose tooth isn’t always a sign of gum disease. It might also be the result of an injury, teeth grinding, or even pregnancy. But gum disease is the leading cause of loose teeth in adults. If your tooth is feeling loose and no one can quite figure out why, take it as a warning sign. Do not delay; visit your dentist to find out the reason and protect your smile.

What should I avoid eating with a loose tooth?

Although you'll limit caramels and chewing gum, crunchy things like nuts, chips, and even apples might cause problems for a weakened tooth. Avoid eating on the side of your loose tooth and adhere to soft foods. 

What happens if my tooth falls out?

It's a common misconception that there is nothing you can do to heal a knocked-out tooth. Dental bridges are a solution to replace missing teeth. However, this is not always true. Indeed, if you act fast at home and make an appointment at your dentist's clinic within the next thirty minutes, your dentist might be able to preserve it. 

Conclusion

Loose teeth in adults can be a warning sign of underlying dental issues, highlighting the benefit of family dentistry for continuous care. Seeking prompt dental care is crucial to prevent further complications and preserve your smile.

By maintaining good oral hygiene, scheduling regular check-ups, and taking preventive measures like wearing a mouthguard, you can protect your teeth and gums for the long term. Don't ignore a loose tooth; consult your dentist early to ensure a healthy, confident smile!