Loose teeth can be caused by a number of factors, including periodontal disease and injury.
You may remember losing your baby teeth as a child, but if you have noticed a loose tooth as an adult, you may be concerned. When the primary teeth fall out during childhood, they are replaced with permanent teeth. If a permanent tooth is lost later in life, however, it will not be naturally replaced, and the gap will need to be filled with a restorative option. If your teeth feel loose, read on to find out what could be causing the issue and what you can do about it…
1. Periodontal disease
In its early stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis can cause a number of possible symptoms, including bleeding, tender and swollen gums. If left untreated, the issue can advance into a more severe stage of the condition known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects the condition of the gums, as well as the surrounding tissues and supporting bones. It can lead to separation between the teeth and gums; and the development of pockets between the teeth and gums that are particularly susceptible to infection. As periodontal disease advances, more and more bone and gum tissue deteriorate, which can cause loose teeth and even tooth loss over time. If you have noticed any of the symptoms of gum disease or your dentist identifies the issue, you may benefit from a deep clean or even a surgical treatment to prevent further damage.
2. Trauma
If you experience an injury that affects the ligaments and tissues that keep your teeth securely in their sockets, you may notice that your teeth feel loose. Sports injuries and accidents, for example, can exert excessive force to the mouth and cause this issue. Similarly, if you grind your teeth, your teeth may begin to loosen over time. If you are in any accident that causes a loose tooth, it is important that you see your dentist as soon as possible. Generally loose teeth caused by trauma are considered a dental emergency and should be addressed immediately in order to prevent tooth loss.
3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to weaken and become brittle, making them vulnerable to fractures and breaks. Research suggests that people with osteoporosis (and women in particular) are more likely to experience both tooth mobility and tooth loss than those who don’t have the disease. It is because osteoporosis can cause a loss of bone in the jaw. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it is advisable that you let your dentist know so that they can plan any dental treatments accordingly. Certain medications formulated for the management of osteoporosis can interfere with some dental treatments, so it is important that your dentist is aware of your medical condition, as well as any medications that you are taking on a regular basis.
How can we help?
At Somerset Dental Care, we care about the condition of our patients’ smiles. If you are concerned about the state of your teeth and your oral health in general, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can perform a thorough examination and recommend a treatment plan that will work for you. We offer a comprehensive range of dental services, including preventative, restorative, and cosmetic treatments designed to maintain and improve the form and function of your smile. We also offer emergency dentistry services, so if you have experienced any trauma that has caused damage to your teeth, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
To find out more about the services we offer at Somerset Dental Care, please have a look here.
To make an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call at 02 4648 0909. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice in Narellan and helping you achieve the healthy and beautiful smile you deserve.
Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
