Dealing with Loose Teeth as an Adult: When to See a Dentist
Loose teeth can be worrying, no matter your age. But when you're an adult, the issue becomes more complicated because your teeth should be stable and fixed in place. When you have a loose tooth, you may feel alarmed or fearful that you may need to extract it, which can be daunting. Fortunately, the good news is that, in many cases, there are steps you and your dentist can take to save the tooth and avoid extractions. This piece will explore what causes loose teeth in adults, what you can do to address the issue and when you should seek professional dental help.
What Causes Loose Teeth in Adults?
Loose teeth in adults can result from numerous reasons, including:
- Gum disease: Periodontal disease is a persistent infection that leads to inflammation and deterioration of the gums and bone supporting the teeth, resulting in tooth mobility.
- Injury: Your teeth can also become loose as a result of blows or accidents that can damage the periodontal ligament that attaches your teeth to the bone.
- Bruxism: Teeth grinding or clenching puts excessive pressure on your teeth, which can weaken the ligaments that support them.
- Malocclusion: When your teeth don't fit together correctly, it can lead to an imbalance between the force exerted on individual teeth, causing them to loosen over time.
What You Can Do to Address Loose Teeth
If you're experiencing loose teeth, here are some things you can do:
- Keep up with regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing to avoid further damage.
- Reduce grinding and clenching by wearing a mouth guard at night.
- Quit smoking.
- Use anti-bacterial mouthwash to reduce the impact of gum disease.
- Eat a healthy diet that's rich in vitamins and minerals to support bone health.
When to Seek Professional Dental Help
If you notice that your teeth are becoming loose, it's important to seek professional dental help promptly. A dentist can assess your mouth and determine the reason behind your loose teeth. Depending on the severity of the situation, the dentist may suggest different treatments:
- Bite adjustment: A dentist could suggest reshaping or grinding areas of your teeth that are interfering with your bite.
- Deep cleaning: A dentist may perform a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar around your teeth, preventing loose teeth from advancing to gum disease.
- Gum surgery: In some cases, a dentist may need to perform gum surgery to correct severe damage to the tissues that hold your teeth in place.
If your teeth feel like they are becoming loose, don't wait. The earlier you seek help from a dental professional, the better your chances of saving your teeth. Take steps to avoid loose teeth in the first place by practising good oral hygiene habits and avoiding tobacco use. Contact a dentist near you to learn more.
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