Causes of Loose Teeth
When children get loose teeth, this is a normal part of their development; the teeth fall out and are replaced with the permanent teeth. When adults get loose teeth, they can still fall out, but there are no new teeth in the jaw to replace them, resulting in gaps in the teeth that can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem, oral health, and even their overall health. Ideally, people will do all that they can to ensure the safety and security of their teeth, but in reality, more than half of all US adults are missing at least one permanent tooth. The best way to maintain your natural teeth is with effective oral hygiene and routine visits to the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings. Dentists also advise against using the teeth to do anything but bite and chew food, so if you have habits like chewing on pens or opening bottles with your teeth, work with your dentist to establish healthier habits, and, if you play contact sports, be sure to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from damage.
The most common cause of loose teeth in adults is untreated gum disease. When gum disease is in its early stages, it can be mostly asymptomatic, and, when it is diagnosed and treated early, gum disease can be reversed and the gums and jaw can be restored to health. Because its symptoms may be minimal, gum disease is most effectively diagnosed by a dentist during a routine dental examination. If it is not treated early, gum disease can develop and lead to severe inflammation in the gums, eventually causing the gums to detach from the teeth and the gum and bone tissue to deteriorate, and ultimately leading to tooth loss. Tooth loss can be prevented when advanced gum disease is treated effectively; treatment can include a dental deep cleaning, antibiotics, or a selection of minor surgical techniques, all of which aim to disinfect and repair the infected, inflamed tissue in the oral cavity and allow the teeth to be secured into place.
Osteoporosis can also cause the teeth to loosen. Osteoporosis is a medical condition that is characterized by the weakening and loss of density in the bone. Loose teeth can arise when the bone density in the jaw diminishes, and people who have osteoporosis therefore face an increased risk of loose teeth and tooth loss. The teeth can also loosen due to trauma. In cases of more minor trauma to the mouth, it may take a day or two for the tooth to become loose, while severe trauma can loosen a tooth immediately. When the ligaments that hold the tooth to the jaw are damaged due to trauma or injury, this can also lead to a misalignment of the teeth that causes additional loosening. High levels of the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause the teeth to loosen and become mobile. This is usually temporary, subsiding when the hormones return to balance, and it rarely leads to tooth loss. In any case, if you have a loose tooth, see your dentist for a prompt diagnosis and increase your chances of keeping your tooth and preserving your smile.