About

Loose teeth, also known as mobile teeth, are caused by oral diseases that are commonly manifested in adults due to poor oral care, smoking, and diabetes. Trauma, bite issues, and tumors can also lead to tooth mobility.

Certain amount of tooth mobility is always present and it is natural. This happens because teeth are not fixed tight in their sockets. They are attached to the bone via a slightly elastic ligament and so they can be moved a little. This movement can be felt when the teeth are clenched. However, visible movement of the tooth is sufficient to diagnose tooth mobility.

The tissues around a mobile tooth become red, swollen and damaged. The person experiences pain and discomfort while chewing food. The treatment depends on the cause and might involve procedures like extensive gum cleaning, splinting, etc(1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Do You Have a Loose Tooth? All About Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

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What are the Causes of Loose Teeth?

Causes of loose teeth include -

Periodontal Disease (gum disease)

It is the most common reason for a loose tooth in adults. Lack of oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes and lack of regular dental cleanings can lead to periodontal disease. Collection of food debris and bacteria on the tooth causes inflammation of gingiva (gum).

Over time, inflammation moves from the tissue between teeth and bone to eventually impact the bone itself. Inflammation and destruction of bone affects the foundation on which the teeth stand and thereby causing teeth mobility.

Accidental Trauma

Blunt injury to the tooth structure is another cause of looseness of teeth.

Occlusal Trauma (Bite Injury)

If a tooth is out of line then it may receive more force during a bite than it can handle. This uneven and increased amount of forces during chewing can affect the tooth making them loose. Bruxism i.e. grinding or clenching of teeth can also loosen the teeth due to excessive force.

Abscess

An abscess in the gum will also make a tooth loose.

Tumor

A tumor of the bone, which causes destruction to the bony architecture, also results in tooth mobility.

What are the Symptoms of Loose Teeth?

Patients with Loose Teeth complain of -

Discomfort while chewing
Pain associated with mobile teeth
The tissues around a mobile tooth arered, swollen and damaged.

How can Loose Teeth be Treated?

The treatment depends on the cause of loose teeth and may involve the following procedures -

Extensive gum cleaning
Occlusal adjustment (bite adjustment)
Splinting
Night guards

Extensive gum cleaning

Cleaning the mobile tooth free of all bacterial sources may reduce mobility. It also helps to control underlying periodontal disease, which is the root cause of teeth mobility.

Occlusal adjustment

The bite (occlusion i.e. how the teeth meet together) is adjusted by minor reshaping of the biting surfaces of the teeth so that they receive less force. Bite adjustment is achieved with orthodontic treatment.

Splinting

Splinting involves joining the loose teeth to the adjacent firmer ones so that the biting force is distributed among groups of teeth rather than individual loosened teeth. Teeth which are mobile by just a millimeter can be treated with splinting.

Splinting is usually done using a thin steel wire. Wire is passed through the spaces between the loose teeth, and the adjacent strong teeth in a specific pattern so as to attain maximum stabilization of the loose tooth.

Night Guards

Teeth that are loosened by grinding or clenching habits can be formed by wearing a night guard. The night guard fits over teeth and prevents grinding.

Tooth Extraction

Teeth which are loose and which move in all directions may have to be extracted.

Management of Loose Teeth

Maintaining excellent oral health is crucial to prevent a range of dental issues, including impacted wisdom teeth, bad breath, and tooth loss.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for catching problems early and addressing risk factors like teeth grinding, which can lead to bone loss and tooth damage. Deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing are vital for removing plaque and preventing periodontal abscesses.

In some cases, bone grafts might be necessary to support teeth and gums, especially for patients undergoing radiation therapy or dealing with cancer cells affecting oral health, as in the case of multiple myeloma or Ewing sarcoma.

Proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing can significantly contribute to avoiding these issues. Addressing conditions promptly through techniques like draining the abscess or removing impacted wisdom teeth can lead to better overall oral health.

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