Growing up, a loose tooth was a source of excitement, offering a sign that you were growing up and would soon get a rewarding visit from the Tooth Fairy. But these days, feeling something wiggle in your mouth isn’t exactly a reason to jump for joy. If one of your permanent teeth feels loose, what should you do about it? Can you stop it from falling out completely? Here’s why this may be happening as well as a step-by-step guide to take control of the situation.
What is Making Your Tooth Loose?
Adults develop loose teeth for several reasons, with the most common being:
- Gum disease: This is a bacterial infection around the root of a tooth that can weaken the supportive tissue and bone keeping it in place.
- Injury: A stiff blow or trauma to the face and jaw can destabilize a tooth.
- Teeth grinding: Chronic grinding over years and years has applied enough pressure to the tooth to cause it to wear down.
- Hard/chewy foods: Biting into something extremely hard and/or chewy can suddenly make a tooth loose.
What You Should Do
Fortunately, a loose tooth doesn’t automatically mean you are going to lose it. As soon as you notice it moving, be sure to:
- Contact a dentist: The sooner you can get professional attention, the better. Most dentists can schedule same-day appointments for pressing situations like this one.
- Avoid chewing with that tooth: You don’t want to accidentally make the situation worse!
- Keep it clean: It’s recommended to still brush and floss, but avoid the tooth and just rinse the area with warm water instead.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity: This could end up loosening your tooth more.
After you arrive at the dental office, the dentist will be able to examine your tooth and let you know if it can be saved. This might involve splinting it to surrounding teeth so it can remain stable while it heals. If the tooth is too far gone, your dentist can go over replacement options with you to reduce the time you spend with an incomplete smile.
No Need to Panic
Every year, dentists help millions of adults save countless teeth that have become loose, so it’s a situation that they are very familiar with. And, even if you do need to replace one, today’s options are more reliable and natural-looking than ever before. The most important takeaway from this blog is that you shouldn’t delay reaching out for help—it’s the most reliable way to keep your smile whole and healthy!
About the Author
Silver Creek Dentistry is led by a team of four experienced dentists dedicated to the Ripon community. Thanks to their combined expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need right here at home, including emergency dentistry, dentures, dental bridges, dental implants, and more. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (920) 748-7200.