Loose teeth are common for people who do not have all their adult teeth. When a baby tooth falls out, another one grows in its place. Adult teeth, however, are designed to be permanent. If a permanent tooth becomes loose, many people are left feeling anxious and distressed.
What Causes a Loose Permanent Tooth?
There are many different reasons why a permanent tooth can become loose. Both medical and environmental causes are common.
Environmental causes include injuries or sudden impact. Certain sports that can involve sudden force like football can create tooth issues. Other sudden impact examples include car accidents or a sudden fall. Depending on the impact, adult teeth may become loose or chipped.
Biological causes can include underlying medical issues. This can be hereditary or caused by inaccurate oral hygiene. Gum disease and dental plaque are common dental issues that can cause a loose permanent tooth.
Treatment Options for Loose Teeth
It can be extremely distressing to notice a loose adult tooth. While all teeth can move slightly, a loose tooth is obvious. It may be tempting to ignore the problem, but that may end up doing more harm than good. Although teeth can tighten on their own if it is caused by mild injury, most loose adult teeth need specialized care. Seeing a dentist for loose adult teeth is highly recommended. By visiting a professional sooner rather than later, permanent teeth can stay permanent.
Depending on the cause, a loose permanent tooth can be fixed by a dentist in a relatively short time. By stabilizing the tooth with a splint, the gums and ligaments will strengthen. Once they can secure the tooth again, the splint can be safely removed.
Mouthguards that protect against teeth-grinding can also help loose permanent teeth. By preventing teeth from grinding against one another, loose teeth can naturally become sturdy and secure.
For those who experience loose teeth from bacteria or gum disease, deep teeth cleaning can fight against infection so that the gums can properly secure adult teeth. Although daily brushing and flossing are extremely important, deep cleanings are crucial for oral health.
Ignoring Treatment
If a loose tooth is ignored, the problem can worsen. Since loose permanent teeth do not usually heal on their own, they may become even looser over time. Without correct treatment, loose teeth can fall out.
Regular dental appointments can prevent loose teeth from occurring. A professional tooth cleaning is recommended at least twice per year. By visiting a dentist, teeth can have a much more thorough cleaning that reaches below the gum line and in hard-to-reach places.
Conclusion
Fixing a loose tooth is not something you can do on your own. By seeing a professional, you can understand why the tooth is loose in the first place. Depending on the cause, treatment options may vary.
Mountain View Dental provides a comfortable setting for dental work. We have trained professionals that can help restore and secure teeth. For more information, please visit our website to schedule an appointment or talk to our staff.
