A loose tooth is not very important in children. In adults, however, it can be a sign of an important problem. Wobbling of permanent teeth is a problem that can affect people of all ages. In most cases, the loose tooth can be saved.
In some exceptional cases, loose teeth are not normal and need to be treated. Loose teeth in adults can be caused by dental injuries, gum disease, stress, pregnancy, menopause, medications and some diseases.
Dental trauma due to an accident is the most common cause of loose teeth in adults. In some cases, the looseness may heal on its own. In other cases, the root of the tooth and gum may have been damaged.
If there is no apparent reason for loose teeth, gum disease may be the cause. The bacterial infection negatively affects the gums and the bone surrounding the teeth. Progression of the disease can lead to receding gums and loose teeth.
Stress and anxiety disorders can cause clenching and grinding. It is quite common to clench teeth while sleeping. Teeth clenching can cause teeth to loosen over time.
Changes in hormones during pregnancy can affect dental health. Changes in hormone levels can cause the ligaments and bones that support the teeth to loosen. This can lead to loose teeth. This effect is temporary in most cases and returns when the pregnancy ends.
Hormonal changes during menopause can also cause the jawbone to weaken. This increases the risk of loose teeth.
Some medications can make it harder for the body to absorb calcium. Taking these medications for a long time can weaken the jawbone and cause loose teeth. Medicines with this type of effect have warnings in the side effects section of the package leaflet.
Cancer, HIV, diabetes, joint diseases and some diseases affecting the immune system can increase the risk of developing gum disease. This can lead to loose teeth.
Loose teeth can be treated with or without surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Deep cleaning and splinting (fixing the loose tooth to other surrounding teeth) are non-surgical treatments. Bone grafting, soft tissue grafting and flap operation (opening and scraping the root surfaces of the tooth) are surgical treatment methods.
When you notice that a tooth is loose, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. Leaving the tooth alone can cause damage to the gums and infection, which can worsen the situation.
