Causes of Loose Teeth
When a permanent tooth is loose, it is a sign that there is something wrong, and, without prompt attention, it is possible for a loose tooth to detach completely and fall out. There are many causes for loose permanent teeth, and the treatment will depend on the cause. Teeth can become loose for a few reasons, including gum disease, osteoporosis, trauma or injury to the mouth, and even hormonal fluctuations. Understanding the cause and addressing the problem may be able to save the tooth and prevent it from falling out.
When the teeth become loose due to gum disease, the first step toward securing the teeth is treating the gum disease. When gum disease is in its earlier stages, patients may have some symptoms, including inflammation and bleeding in the gum tissue. While early gum disease may be largely painless, and may even be asymptomatic, it can gradually wreak havoc on the bones, gums, and the other tissues that surround and support the teeth as the disease progresses and develops into periodontitis. Periodontitis is advanced gum disease, and it causes the gum tissue and bone to deteriorate, eventually causing the teeth to loosen and fall out.
Osteoporosis is another possible cause for the secondary teeth to loosen. Osteoporosis is primarily characterized by the weakening and deterioration of the bones in the body, which lose density because of the condition. When bone density in the jaw is affected by osteoporosis, the teeth may loosen. Trauma or injury to the teeth can also cause a tooth to loosen. When this trauma is severe, the ligaments that support the teeth and hold them securely in the mouth can be damaged and the teeth can loosen. They may also become misaligned in the mouth, which can affect the patient’s bite and further damage the teeth.
When experiencing the significant hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy, some people find that their teeth have loosened. This is due to high levels of progesterone and estrogen coursing through the body. In most cases, the symptoms will subside when the pregnancy has ended, and the teeth will not sustain permanent damage. When gum disease is also present, however, the long-term outcome may be less favorable.
If you find that you have a loose tooth or loose teeth, see your dentist as soon as you can. Early attention to the issue can often help save the tooth and protect the other teeth. Because gum disease may be largely asymptomatic when in its earlier stages, regular dental visits are also a key part of maintaining the health of the teeth and oral tissues; dentists can diagnose gum disease in its early stages and can often reverse the disease and restore the oral cavity to health. Regular attention to oral hygiene is also instrumental in preventing gum disease, so make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles, and floss daily or otherwise clean between the teeth with an approved interdental cleaning device like a water flosser. These basic steps toward prevention may mean the difference between keeping your natural teeth and losing them.