What Causes Loose Teeth in Adults?
- Gum Disease (Periodontitis) is the most common cause of loose adult teeth. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection which affects the gums and supporting bone and leads to receding gums, bone loss, and weakening of the tooth’s foundation. Poor dental hygiene results in a buildup of plaque and tartar increasing the risk of infections and periodontal disease and contributes to inflammation and eventual bone loss.
- Dental trauma or injury such as a blow to the mouth or jaw (sports injury, fall, accident) can dislodge or damage the ligament or bone that supports a tooth leading to loosening of a tooth or teeth.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) is chronic grinding or clenching that puts excessive pressure on teeth and supporting structures and can loosen teeth over time, especially if combined with gum disease.
- Orthodontic treatment results in temporary tooth looseness can occur during braces or aligner therapy as teeth shift position. This is expected and safe when monitored by a dentist or orthodontist.
Make sure you contact Geans Clinic immediately if you notice a tooth that moves when touched or when biting, bleeding or receding gums, gum tenderness, swelling, or infection, bad breath or unpleasant taste, pus around a tooth, tooth pain or a sensation of pressure.
After a thorough assessment our clinicians at Geans Clinic can ascertain what treatment you need depending on the cause and severity. Treatment could be related to gum disease, splinting to stabilise the loose tooth, provision of a night guard for grinding-related looseness or in the worst case scenario tooth extraction and replacement (implants, bridges) if the tooth cannot be saved.
In most cases loose teeth can be prevented if you maintain excellent oral hygiene as well as seeing our dentists and hygienists regularly so we can treat gum disease early. You should always wear a mouthguard during sports or use a night guard if you grind your teeth.
