When children lose a baby tooth, it’s considered an exciting milestone in the development of their mouth. But when adults have a wiggly tooth, it can be very distressing because we’ve finished growing! Permanent adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime so you can talk, chew, and smile with ease. Therefore, if you notice a tooth becoming loose, it’s a sign that something is wrong that needs to be addressed ASAP. Read on to learn about common reasons adult teeth become loose, prevention tips, and how we can help restore your mouth to full health if your tooth does come loose.
- Gum Disease
- Certain Medical Conditions
- Injury to the Mouth, Jaw & Face
Gum disease negatively affects the tissue surrounding teeth. If gums that are irritated and inflamed by plaque are left untreated, this gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis can lead to infection, further inflammation, and even bone loss… all which compromise the structures holding your teeth in place.
Prevention
Preventing gum disease is one key to keeping your teeth firmly rooted for life. To promote healthy gums: brush and floss daily; avoid tobacco products; drink plenty of water; eat a nutritious diet; only chew sugar-free gum; and visit us for regular dental cleanings and checkups. If you notice that your gums bleed easily, are tender, or appear to be receding, let us know!
Osteoporosis, diabetes, and pregnancy, can cause changes in the body that may result in a tooth feeling looser.
Prevention
Consult with your primary care physician, our expert dentists, and other healthcare specialists for tips managing the oral side effects of any medications you are taking and any current health conditions you face.
Trauma to areas around the teeth can also cause teeth to loosen.
Prevention
Whenever you play sports, especially contact sports, wear a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard. Additionally, wear a custom nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep. We can create these dental devices to provide optimal protection for your smile!
Treatment
If you do have a loose tooth, don’t panic–there are solutions. Here at Prairie Dental Group, we can evaluate the severity of your loose tooth and guide you in the right direction. If you have gum disease, we may suggest a specially-formulated mouthwash, a deep cleaning, or other gum treatment to help your gums heal. Our team will also provide proper oral hygiene instructions that will keep the rest of your teeth healthy and strong.
Tooth Replacement
If we determine that your tooth cannot be saved and must be extracted, all is not lost. You may qualify for a dental implant. Virtually no one will be able to tell you’ve utilized this tooth-replacement option since it’s so realistic-looking! Learn more about dental implants here.
Call Us ASAP at 952-903-5000
Not only will we do all we can to save your compromised tooth, we’ll help you prevent your other teeth from becoming loose. So if you have a loose tooth, or any other dental issue, call us today!
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