Get to know the main causes of loose teeth

Adults may become anxious when seeing or feeling loose teeth. Adult teeth are permanent and designed to last forever.

In some cases, there is no reason to worry about the state of the teeth. But if a loose tooth is not treated on time, you may lose your tooth and need medication and dental intervention to replace it.

What are the causes of loose teeth in adults?

The following factors are often responsible for loosening one or more teeth in adults:

Gum disease

Gum disease is also known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is a disease that includes inflammation and infection in the gums. This disease is usually caused by poor dental hygiene habits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States reports that half of adults in the country age 30 and older have gum disease.

If dental plaques are not removed by brushing and flossing regularly, you will most likely witness gum disease. Dental plaque contains bacteria. This substance sticks to the teeth and becomes harder and harder over time. If the plaque grows and thickens, only dental specialists will be able to remove it by performing gum surgery. Hardened plaque is known as tartar. Tartar causes the gums to separate from the teeth, creating gaps that can be invaded by bacteria and other contaminants.

Over time, this process can break down the bone and supporting tissues of the teeth and cause the teeth to become loose.

Some common symptoms of gingivitis are:

• Tender, red, painful or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums while brushing
• Receding gums
• Change in the placement and position of the teeth

Pregnancy

Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can affect the bones and tissues of the mouth. Too much of these hormones can change the periodontium, or the set of bones and ligaments that support the teeth and hold them in place. When the periodontium is affected, one or more teeth may become loose.

The changes made during the pregnancy period after the end of this period return to their original state over time. And there is no reason to worry. However, anyone who experiences toothache or looseness during pregnancy should see a dentist to properly manage gum disease and other oral health problems and prevent future problems.

Tip:

In fact, because of the possible link between gum disease and premature birth, pregnant women are encouraged to visit their dentists regularly.

Injury to the teeth

Healthy and natural teeth are strong, but they can be damaged when a severe and serious blow is inflicted on them. The result of some accidents can lead not only to loose teeth but also to crushing them.

Similarly, teeth grinding or teeth grinding during sleep can also be another reason for damage to teeth and their loosening. Many people do not realize their teeth grinding habit until they experience jaw pain. But visiting a dental office can be useful in this regard. A dentist in Canada may be able to diagnose the problem before permanent damage to the teeth occurs.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to weaken and deteriorate. As a result, even minor blows can lead to broken bones.

While osteoporosis usually affects the spine, hips, and wrists, it is also possible to affect the bones of the upper and lower jaw. As a result, osteoporosis can directly cause loose teeth.

If the density of bone tissue is reduced, the possibility of loose teeth is very high. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States also reports a possible link between bone loss and an increased risk of gum disease.

Prevention of loosening of teeth

Loose teeth cannot always be prevented. But one can take basic steps to reduce the risk of this condition. To prevent loose teeth, be sure to consider the following:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss once a day
• Do not smoke
• Attend dental checkups
• Use a dental guard when playing or doing some sports.
• Ask your doctor about calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent osteoporosis
• Control your diabetes
• Avoid taking drugs that can contribute to loose teeth.

How to treat a loose tooth?

A wide range of treatments can help solve this problem. But choosing the best treatment option depends on the main cause of loose teeth.

Some treatment methods include:

• Medication along with mouth rinses: These can help improve gum health and fight bacteria in the mouth.
• Surgery: The purpose of surgery is to remove gum and bone tissue that has been seriously damaged.
• Bone grafting: In this treatment method, dentists and dental surgeons can help rebuild bones lost in gum disease.
• Soft tissue grafting: This procedure is also known as gum grafting. In this way, the dentist can prevent more damage to the gums or teeth in people with gum disease.
• Dental tools: some orthodontic tools such as guards can help and reduce the damage caused by grinding teeth.
• Treatment of diabetes: If you have diabetes, be sure to manage it to prevent gum disease.

These can reduce the damage caused by grinding teeth and may help the mouth heal after dental surgery.