Permanent Tooth Feels Loose
Having a loose permanent tooth is a relatively common problem, but it should still be a cause for concern. In many cases, a loose tooth can be saved, but loose teeth rarely, if ever, get better on their own. If you have a loose tooth, see your dentist promptly, and don’t stimulate or move the tooth with your tongue or your finger while you wait to see the dentist; this will make it worse. Permanent teeth can loosen and even fall out due to internal factors and external factors. Certain underlying health conditions increase the risk of loose teeth, and gum disease and injury or oral trauma can also cause the teeth to loosen, and, if left unaddressed, to fall out.
Oral or dental trauma can occur if a person falls or is in an accident that puts extreme force on the face. Injury to the teeth or other oral tissues can also occur during contact sports and extreme sports, and using the teeth for anything other than biting and chewing food can cause injury that leads to loose teeth – so resist the urge to open a package or a bottle with your teeth. Some injuries to the oral cavity can heal on their own, but prompt dental attention can determine whether the tooth root and surrounding tissues have also sustained damage, preventing additional damage from arising.
If your tooth is loose and it isn’t because of injury or trauma, it’s highly likely that the cause is advanced gum disease. Advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, is an infection caused by the buildup of bacteria that destroys the gums, bone, and tissues that support and surround the teeth. As periodontitis progresses, the gums loosen around the teeth and the ligaments that hold the teeth in place weaken and can detach. This causes the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. In its early stages, gum disease may have few, if any, symptoms. If you experience bleeding while brushing or flossing the teeth, or if you have chronic bad breath or gums that are sensitive and swollen, you may have gum disease. Gum disease can be reversed when treated early, and it can be prevented with a diligent oral hygiene routine.
Many people clench or grind their teeth, a condition that is called bruxism. Bruxism is most commonly an unconscious manifestation of stress. For most people, this is a habitual behavior that happens while sleeping. Over time, bruxism can cause the teeth to loosen. Dentists recommend that people with bruxism wear mouth guards while sleeping, and stress-reduction techniques have also proven effective in managing bruxism. The hormone fluctuations that accompany pregnancy and menopause can also play a part in dental health. As the body’s levels of estrogen and progesterone increase during pregnancy, the ligaments and bones in the jaw change, causing the teeth to temporarily loosen. During menopause, as the body’s estrogen production slows, the bones can become less dense, weakening the jawbone and increasing the likelihood of loose teeth. Certain medical conditions and medications can also increase the risk of loose teeth, so be sure to review your medical history with your dentist and keep them updated if anything changes.