Loose teeth can be a distressing and uncomfortable dental issue. A loose tooth in kids can be typical, but noticing tooth looseness in adults is the cause of concern and is often considered as a dental emergency. There could be several causes to it such as trauma, gum disease, osteoporosis, or more. Taking prompt action as early as possible may help restore the tooth or replace it. The specialists at the Fairfield, ME dental office offer a comprehensive approach to losing teeth with utmost care and compassion.
This informative blog outlines the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention of loose teeth.
What causes loose teeth?
A loose tooth occurs when it loses support and slowly detaches from the gums and bones. Here is a list of possible causes that may loosen your tooth:
- Advanced gum disease
- Trauma
- Unconscious teeth grinding
- An underlying condition such as osteoporosis, diabetes
- Hormonal changes as seen during pregnancy, and menopause
- Certain medications like contraceptives, and antidepressants
- Stress
How is a loose adult tooth treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of loose teeth. Some treatment options include:
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Scaling and root planing
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- Deep cleaning procedures can treat and reverse gum disease effectively.
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Medications or mouth rinses
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- Antiseptic mouthwash and rinses can heal inflamed and infected gums
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Flap surgery
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- The aim of this surgery is to remove the inflamed and diseased gum tissues and replace it with healthy tissues
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Dental bone grafts
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- This can help rebuild the lost bone tissue due to gum disease
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Soft tissue grafts
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- Also known as gum grafts, these replace damaged gum tissue with suitable grafts
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Dental appliances like bite splints
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- These reduce damage from grinding and clenching and help the mouth heal after dental surgery
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Diabetes management
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- Controlling diabetes helps control the damage to the gum tissues.
- Consult a doctor for diabetes management.
If a loose tooth falls out, your dentist may recommend replacing it with a dental bridge or an implant.
Can you prevent loose teeth?
You cannot completely prevent loose teeth, but you can always take steps to reduce your risk.
Some preventive tips include:
- Brushing the teeth twice daily
- Flossing once per day
- Refraining from smoking
- Visiting the dentist regularly
- Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports
- Wearing a night splint while sleeping if you have issues like grinding and clenching
- Consuming calcium and vitamin B supplementation
A loose tooth may be alarming and can result from trauma, gum disease, or osteoporosis. Other factors may include hormonal changes, certain underlying conditions, or stress. Treatment depends on the cause. Often loose teeth are considered as an emergency, thus seeking immediate dental care is crucial.
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