Have you noticed that one of your permanent teeth has become loose? Are you concerned that this tooth could potentially fall out or lead to another dental health issue? A loose tooth can make it difficult to eat certain foods and can cause anxiety. In many cases, a loose permanent tooth is caused by dental trauma, such as an accident, or by gum disease. There are several treatment options for this type of oral health issue. Learn more about how to treat a loose tooth by contacting Columbia Smiles today.
Causes of Loose Permanent Teeth
What causes a loose permanent tooth? One of the most common causes of loose teeth in adults is gum disease. This issue often starts out with a buildup of plaque underneath the gums where brushing and flossing might not reach. This buildup can lead to inflammation, swelling, and gum recession. Over time, the gums will pull away from the teeth. The resulting gaps can become infected, allowing for the loosening of the tooth. If you have any symptoms of gum disease, you should reach out to a dentist. Symptoms can include bleeding when brushing or flossing and sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages.
Another cause of a loose adult tooth is dental trauma. This could include an injury from playing sports, a car accident, or a fall. A hard blow to your mouth can cause a tooth to become dislodged. Additionally, clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night can cause damage to your teeth and might lead to a loose tooth.
Treatment for Loose Permanent Teeth
If you’ve experienced dental trauma, contact your dentist right away. Dental trauma services can ensure that there is no lasting damage from an accident.
If your loose tooth has fallen out there are several options for treatment. These include the following:
- A dental bridge – This is an artificial tooth that is connected to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth
- A dental implant – This tooth replacement option consists of a titanium post that bonds with the jawbone and a crown that replaces the missing tooth
Dental implants are more permanent than dental bridges, but both options can restore the look and functionality of your smile. However, if your tooth is loose and has not yet fallen out, there are several treatments that can help you restore your tooth.
For those who have loose teeth due to gum disease, periodontal treatments can help restore the health of gum tissue.
- Scaling and root planing is one professional periodontal treatment that removes plaque buildup underneath the gums and on the teeth
- In some cases, if gum tissue has been lost, soft tissue grafts are needed to replace the gum tissue.
Your dentist might also recommend certain dental appliances to help keep you from grinding your teeth at night or clenching your jaw during the day.
Contact Columbia Smiles
Before a loose tooth affects your life, learn more about what you can do to improve your good oral health habits and prevent injury and/or gum disease. Mouthguards can help protect your teeth while playing sports, and good oral hygiene habits like brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can keep bacteria from building up on your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums, which can lead to erosion of the gum tissue down the road.
If you have a loose tooth, contact your dentist right away in order to prevent tooth loss. They will be able to treat the causes of loose teeth. At Columbia Smiles, we provide dental trauma services as well as periodontal treatments. Reach out to our team today at 410.690.4855 to schedule an appointment.
