What to Do About a Loose Adult Tooth

You may have aged out of getting a visit from the tooth fairy, but if you're an adult with a loose tooth, you shouldn't ignore the issue.

In some cases, the loose adult tooth may be an annoyance. In other cases, it can be painful. There is one thing is for certain: you need to get it taken care of as quickly as possible.

Remember that some loose tooth pain is actually associated with oral health hygiene issues and other problems. In fact, since one out of every five American adults currently suffers from moderate to severe dental issues, it could be a sign of something bigger.

But what causes an adult loose tooth, and what should you do about it?

Keep on reading this post to find out.

What Causes a Loose Adult Tooth?

First of all, let's discuss the causes of loose teeth in adults.

There is no shortage of causes when it comes to a loose tooth. It may be because a buildup of plaque and tartar has gotten so severe that it's reached up and underneath the gums.

Over time, this causes the gum to move away from your teeth, resulting in gum disease, pain, and infections in the mouth. This can wear down the tissues surrounding a tooth, which eventually knocks it loose.

This often occurs when adults don't properly brush and floss their teeth. Since the majority of people don't actually brush their teeth correctly, even if you think you're following the rules, you may not be.

If your teeth also bleed when you brush and floss or notice that your gums look swollen and hurt to the touch, see a dental professional right away.

Believe it or not, pregnancy can also cause loose teeth. This is because higher amounts of hormones like progesterone and estrogen can begin to impact your periodontium, another support system of your teeth.

Loose teeth in the mouth could also be a sign of osteoporosis , especially in older adults. This is because it can cause your jaw bones to weaken, which in turn, knocks your teeth loose.

Finally, of course, you may need a loose tooth treatment because you've suffered an injury or fall that has knocked it loose. If you ignore it, the pain will only get worse.

Methods of Loose Tooth Treatment

There are lots of different treatment plans for a loose tooth.

Of course, it's imperative to schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible. They'll be able to tell you if the issue is something more serious.

In the meantime, you should refrain from pulling, touching, and jiggling the tooth in any way. We know it can be tempting, but doing so will only make the tooth looser!

Plus, if you end up pulling your tooth out by accident, you've opened yourself up the possibility of serious infections and bacteria.

You should also gently brush the loose tooth and the areas around it, as this will help to push food particles out of the way and remove bacteria.

Your dentist will be able to give you several options when you make your appointment.

You may need a deep cleaning to get rid of infections that cause gum disease -- which means that your tooth may actually be able to heal. If this is successful, the repaired gums will once again tighten around the tooth.

In other cases, getting the tooth removed and opting for an implant instead may be the safer bet.

Finally, your dentist may also perform tooth splinting. Think of this as a kind of "cast" for your tooth. The dentist bonds your loose tooth to the surrounding teeth.

The faster you get to the dentist, the better your chance of saving your tooth.

Tips to Prevent Loose Teeth

Finally, especially in the world of dentistry, it's no secret that prevention is often the best cure.

There are a few things you can do to boost your overall oral hygiene and keep your teeth in the right position.

First of all, if you're currently a smoker, the sooner you quit, the better. Smoking isn't only hard on your heart and lungs. It can also cause serious damage to your teeth, gums, and even your tongue.

Make it a point to see your dentist at regularly scheduled appointments rather than a few times a year if you're experiencing pain or other issues.

You might also speak with your medical doctor, as some medications impact your teeth. Additionally, check your levels of calcium and Vitamin D.

If they're too low, they can negatively impact your oral health.

Need to See a Dentist for a Loose Adult Tooth?

We hope that this post has helped you learn more about not only what causes a loose adult tooth, but also what you can do to treat it.

Of course, remember that proper oral hygiene will help you to avoid this irritating and often painful process in the first place.

Are you in need of a dental cleaning, or would you like the dentist to check you for something you fear might be more serious?

If so, we would love to welcome you to our office.

Spend some time on our website to learn more about our dental practice, and get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment.

We can't wait to help your pearly whites look as good as they can again -- and widen your smile in the process.