Causes of a loose tooth

Gum disease

Also known as periodontitis, this disease involves inflammation and infection of the gums. It 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 aged 30 or older have gum disease.

When brushing and flossing, the plaque is not removed, gum disease can develop. The plate contains bacteria. It adheres to the teeth and hardens over time until only a dental health professional can eliminate it.

The hardened plaque, known as tartar, causes the gums to separate from the teeth, creating spaces that can become infected.

Over time, this process can break the bone and tissue that holds the teeth, causing the teeth to loosen.

Other signs of gum disease include:

• tender, red, painful or swollen gums
• Gums that bleed when they brush their teeth
• recession of the gums
• changes in the way teeth fit

Any sign of gum disease should be checked by a dentist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can prevent tooth loss.

Pregnancy

Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can affect the bones and tissues of the mouth.

Having more of these hormones can alter the periodontium, which is the collection of bones and ligaments that hold the teeth and hold them in place. When the periodontium is affected, one or more teeth may feel loose.

Changes in this part of the body will be resolved after pregnancy, and are not a cause for concern. However, anyone who experiences pain or loose teeth during pregnancy should consult a dentist to rule out gum disease and other oral health problems.

It is safe for pregnant people to have dental check-ups, cleanings and x-rays, according to the American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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

Injury to the teeth

Healthy teeth are strong, but an impact from a blow to the face or a car accident, for example, can damage the teeth and the surrounding tissue. The result can be chipped or loose teeth.

Similarly, clenching the teeth during times of stress or grinding them at night can wear down the tissues and loosen the teeth.

Many people are unaware of their tightening or squeezing habits until they result in jaw pain. A dentist can detect the problem before the teeth are permanently damaged.

Anyone who suspects that an injury has damaged their teeth should visit a dentist as soon as possible. Sports injuries, accidents and falls, for example, can cause dental damage.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken and become porous. As a result, even small bumps and impacts can lead to broken bones.

While osteoporosis commonly affects the spine, hips and wrists, it can also damage the jaw bones that support the teeth.

If the bones of the jaw become less dense, the teeth may loosen and fall off. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US UU They also report on a possible link between bone loss and an increased risk of gum disease.

Certain medications used to treat osteoporosis can cause dental health problems, although this is not common. In rare cases, drugs called bisphosphonates, which help treat bone loss, can cause tooth loss. This is called osteonecrosis of the jaw.

The authors of a study suggest that osteonecrosis rarely occurs in people who take bisphosphonates in pill form, but that the condition can develop in people who receive the drug intravenously.

Traumatic and surgical procedures, such as tooth extraction, can also cause osteonecrosis.

Prevention

Loose teeth can not always be prevented, but a person can take steps to reduce the risk. Suggestions for the health of teeth and gums include:

• Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day
• Flossing once a day
• Refrain from smoking
• Attending dental checkups and cleanings with the recommended frequency
• Wearing a properly fitted mouth guard while playing sports
• Using a bite splint, when it is a problem to grind or squeeze during the night
• Consult a doctor about calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent osteoporosis
• Keep diabetes under control, since diabetes is a risk factor for gum disease
• Be aware of medications that can affect your teeth

Treatment options for a loose tooth

A variety of treatments can help, and the best option will depend on the cause of the hair loss.

The treatments include:

• Root scaling and brushing. This is a type of deep cleansing procedure that can treat and help reverse gum disease.
• Medications or mouth rinses. These can help infected gums heal and fight bacteria in the mouth.
• Surgery. The goal will be to remove tissue from inflamed gums and bone that has been damaged by gum disease.
• Bone grafts These can help to rebuild the bone lost due to gum disease.
• Soft tissue grafts. Also known as gum grafts, these can prevent further loss of gums or teeth in people with gum disease.
• Dental devices, such as bite splints. These can reduce the damage of grinding and can help the mouth to heal after dental surgery.
• Treatment for diabetes Appropriate treatment is important for dental health.

If a loose tooth is dropped, a dentist can often restore the smile of a person with:

• A dental bridge This type of crown adapts to the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. The result is a bridge between two healthy teeth, connected by a prosthetic or artificial tooth in the place of the missing tooth.
• A dental implant This involves an artificial tooth and root, which is connected to the jaw.

While these options are effective, it is essential to treat the underlying cause of tooth loss and take any other steps necessary to prevent further damage.