Loose Tooth

A loose tooth is an annoying condition that can occur due to many reasons in adults, while it’s normal in children while growing up.

Loose tooth

A loose tooth means that the tooth is wiggly and isn’t completely stable. While it’s a normal condition in children, it indicates an underlying cause in adults.

Causes of a loose tooth

Loose teeth in adults can occur due to:

• A trauma on the tooth.
• Gum (periodontal) disease: periodontitis is the most common cause of a loose tooth.
• Teeth grinding.
• Surges of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can loosen the tissues that are holding the teeth temporarily.

Symptoms of a loose tooth

• A weird feeling when eating, flossing, or brushing the teeth.
• Tooth discoloration.
• Gum recession.
• Swollen and bleeding gums.
• The gums become red and tender.
• A loose tooth can lead to difficulty chewing, bite problems, and excess pressure on the near teeth.

Diagnosis of a loose tooth

• The patient usually notices a loose tooth themselves.

Treatment of a loose tooth

• Adjusting the bite by removing a very small amount of the enamel from the loose tooth and the opposing one.
• Mouth guard to protect the teeth from excessive pressure and damage.
• Splinting.
• At home, the patient must avoid hard and crunchy foods.
• The risk of loose teeth can be reduced by practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, wearing a night guard if needed, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and visiting the dentist regularly.