A loose tooth as a child meant a visit from the tooth fairy and, of course, a nickel! It meant you were growing up, but a massively loose tooth is a cause for concern as adults. Let’s take a look at the common reasons why teeth start wiggling and when you should get in touch with a dentist for it.
Standard Room For Flexibility
You might not believe it, but there is a perfectly normal amount of flexibility area for your tooth where it can wiggle or move. They are not fixed directly into the bone; instead, they are held in place by a tough yet flexible ligament. This tiny bit is about a hundredth of an inch.
Top 5 Reasons Why Teeth Wiggle In Adults
Here are 5 reasons why your teeth may loosen up:
1. Recent Orthodontic Work
If you have recently gotten braces or Invisalign, do not be shocked to find your teeth a bit loose afterward. Orthodontic treatments apply external force to your teeth, causing them to reshape the bone around them. However, the new one might not be as strong in the beginning, which is the prime reason why you wear a retainer to maintain the desired tooth alignment while the bone rebuilds.
2. Tooth Trauma
After an impact, your teeth are bound to wiggle, but it is not always immediately apparent. Sometimes, the looseness may take days or even weeks to develop. In such a situation, our expert, Dr. Ahmad J. Akram, suggests wearing an orthodontic retainer or a splint to connect the loosened tooth to neighboring teeth, stabilizing it as it heals. However, if your tooth has suffered a major blow, it may necessitate tooth removal and replacement with a dental implant.
3. Gum Disease
Gum disease is a frequent occurrence that loosens teeth in adults. Signs of gum disease include redness, inflammation, bleeding, or receding gums. If your loose tooth is accompanied by any of these, gum disease is likely the culprit.
Prompt treatment for gum disease can often successfully save your teeth. Your dentist may splint the loose tooth while dealing with it. Treatment options are multiple, ranging from deep cleaning to surgical procedures. Successful treatment not only saves your natural tooth but also protects your overall health.
4. Tooth Infection
An infected tooth damages the bone that supports it. Infected teeth cause severe pain and may change color, but not every time. Root canal therapy often works best to save an infected tooth, removing the infected material and replacing it with a dental filler material. However, severe bone damage may make a root canal ineffective. With proper care, a treated tooth can last for decades.
5. Bad Bite
An imbalanced bite means excessive force on your teeth, leading to their looseness. Signs of a bad bite include worn, chipped, or cracked teeth. They come along with other symptoms such as jaw pain, popping or clicking, headaches, ear pain, or vertigo.
Closing Note
Having a loose tooth as an adult is a sign of concern, but it is a must to understand the possible causes and take the right steps to address them. You can always contact dental care experts from Lonestar Dental Center to help you with your queries. Let our team take the lead and guide you toward the best possible treatment for loose teeth. Connect with us via call at (281) 233-0333 for more information on this matter.