Are you concerned about a loose tooth? Many people are, especially if they don’t know what might be causing it. Is it a sign that a permanent tooth is coming in? Or could it be something else entirely?
At The Dental Space, we understand how important it is to handle a loose tooth properly. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide on what to do when you have a loose tooth.
Loose Tooth in Children: To Pull or Not to Pull?
All children will experience loose teeth at some point during their childhood, as the adult tooth erupts, the roots of baby teeth resorb, eventually leading to the baby tooth falling out.
One of the best ways to deal with a loose tooth is to leave it alone and let it fall out naturally when it is ready. However, if your child’s tooth is loose and hanging from the socket, or if they are experiencing any pain or discomfort, it may be necessary to see a dentist.
By working closely with your child’s dentist and having regular dental check ups, you can help ensure that their loose teeth are not a cause for concern and will be removed safely when the time is right.
Loose Adult Teeth: Why They Happen
Adults may experience loose teeth for a variety of reasons, some of the most common include:
- Gum Disease: Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, and can cause teeth to become loose due to the damage it does to the gums and bones that support the teeth.
- Brushing Too Hard: Brushing your teeth too hard can damage your gums and make them more likely to recede, which can lead to loose teeth.
- Teeth Grinding: If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night while sleeping, it can cause the roots of your teeth to become loose over time.
- Misaligned Teeth: Having misaligned or crooked teeth can make them more prone to damage and potentially lead to a loosening of the roots.
- Pregnancy: Some women may experience loose teeth during pregnancy due to the increased levels of hormones in their body, which can cause changes in the structures that support the teeth.
- Injury: If you are involved in any type of accident that damages your teeth, it can cause them to become loose over time.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that causes weakened bones, and can lead to loose teeth if left untreated.
There are also some risk factors for loose teeth in adults, including smoking, drinking heavily, poor oral hygiene habits, and using certain medications.
What to Do About a Loose Tooth as an Adult
If you are experiencing a loose adult tooth, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further complications and damage.
Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist may recommend various treatments, a splint, surgery, or a mouth guard. In severe cases, you may even need to have the tooth extracted.
It is important to not try to pull the loose tooth on your own. This can cause further damage to your gums and teeth, and may even lead to infection. For adults, if the tooth is pulled, it could run the risk of significant pain. Since there is no permanent tooth behind an adult tooth, this would cause a gap in the mouth and would need to be addressed by a dentist. If you are concerned about a loose tooth, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Taking care of your teeth is important for maintaining your overall oral health, so be sure to visit your dentist regularly and practice good dental hygiene habits at home.
The Dental Space Is Here for All Your Loose Tooth Needs
Whether you are a child or an adult, if your tooth has become loose, The Dental Space family dentistry clinic is here to help. Our experienced dentists are committed to providing quality care and affordable treatments for all our patients, no matter what their needs may be.
Our office is located at 1101 Thorpe Ln, Suite 101, just off IH 35 in the Springtown Center Shopping Mall, to patients in San Marcos, TX, and surrounding areas. Call us today at 512-667-9770 to schedule an appointment or fill out our online form.
