Loose teeth are something that is commonly associated with children. When we are young, it is expected that our baby teeth will fall out and eventually be replaced by our adult teeth. But when we notice loose teeth as adults, even a loose wisdom tooth in adults, this is typically an unexpected and disconcerting experience. There are a variety of causes for loose teeth in adults, as well as several treatments for loose teeth in adults should this occur.
What are the symptoms of loose teeth in adults?
- Recession of the gums: If you have a more advanced form of gum disease or periodontitis, you may notice that not only have your gums become irritated, but they may have actually begun to recede. This opens up the potential for the teeth to become slightly loosened, as the gums do not as strongly support them.
- Tooth pain: If one (or more) of your teeth are hurting, it’s time to head over to the dentist as soon as possible. It is likely that you are overdue for a professional teeth cleaning, and a dentist will be able to identify the cause of your tooth pain more easily than you would be able to by yourself.
- Redness or irritation of the gums: Although likely not as severe or urgent of a symptom as the recession of the gums, redness or irritation in this area indicates a potential infection, and you should do your best to treat the infection as soon as possible before it gets any worse.
Understanding the main causes of loose teeth
Adults clearly aren’t losing their teeth for the same reasons as young children, so what are loose tooth causes in adults? There are several factors that can play a role here.
Poor oral hygiene
Perhaps the most common reason behind teeth becoming loose in adults is a lack of attention to dental hygiene. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss your teeth at least once per day, in addition to using mouthwash to eliminate any harmful bacteria that may have taken up residence in your mouth. If these guidelines are not followed, this opens up the door to potential infection and tooth root decay. Infection can then lead to loosening the structures that support the teeth and keep them in the appropriate position.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens all of the bones in your body. While there are several treatments for osteoporosis that may be able to slow the disease progression or restore some lost bone density, this condition can still increase your likelihood of developing loose teeth. Since osteoporosis weakens bones everywhere in the body, this includes the jaw bone. If the jaw bone is weakened, the teeth do not have as strong of an anchor and may be more likely to fall out.
Trauma
A fairly obvious reason why teeth might become loose in adulthood is some sort of trauma or injury that impacts the mouth and teeth. If there is a blow to the face or jaw, this can result in damage being done to the teeth and surrounding structures.
Gum disease
Directly tied to poor dental hygiene, gum disease is one condition that can certainly leave you vulnerable to developing a root cavity and loose teeth. Especially as gum disease transitions from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontitis, the infection can leave the supporting tissues around the teeth weak and cause a loss of structural integrity for the roots of the teeth.
Bruxism
Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, can cause an abnormal amount of stress on the teeth and the tissues around them, leaving them more prone to becoming loose and potentially falling out. Grinding of the teeth is especially common at night and for those who tend to keep their mouth in a clenched position without thinking about it.
How to prevent loose teeth from falling out?
Ok, so you have a loose tooth. Wondering how to save a loose tooth from falling out? Can a loose tooth be saved?
Keep up with oral hygiene
Perhaps the number one thing you can do on your own to keep a loose tooth from falling out or to help with how to fix a loose tooth is to make sure that you are keeping up with basic oral hygiene practices. As mentioned before, make sure that you are practicing good mouth care by brushing your teeth a minimum of two times per day, flossing at least once per day, and using mouthwash.
Regular professional dental care
You should be seeing your dentist on a regular basis anyway, but this becomes all the more important if you notice that one or more of your teeth have become loose. There are not a lot of answers for how to tighten a loose tooth, but dentists can be a potential option. Dentists may be able to offer unique solutions to this issue, such as grafts that will support the teeth and keep them in their current position. If it is determined that the tooth cannot be saved, dentists can safely extract the tooth and potentially offer an artificial implant for a loose tooth remedy.
Reviewing your diet
Although changing your diet, unfortunately, might not be able to do a lot to reverse the damage that has already been done and make loose teeth sit in your mouth normally again, making dietary changes can help the situation from deteriorating further. Making sure that you eat foods high in calcium and vitamin D is essential for bone health and can make sure that your teeth and jaw stay strong. Aside from focusing on these nutrients, consuming a well-rounded diet with plenty of protein and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugary foods and beverages can do a world of good for your overall oral health.
Summary
Summing everything up: what is essential to keep your teeth from falling is to have great (and daily) oral care. Brushing your teeth is key to prevent your teeth from falling and getting dental conditions as gum recession. Besides, going to regular dental (and medical) checkups can allow dental professionals to give you an early diagnosis and arrange a preventive care plan for you to avoid your teeth from falling.
