Loose teeth can cause embarrassment, pain, and discomfort when they are left untreated for a long period of time; but also tooth loss. Loose teeth problems are not only associated with children or babies who have their milk teeth fall out – these problems can also occur in adults. So let’s look into the things you can do to prevent loose these and what the reasons for loose teeth are.
What are the reasons for loose teeth
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of loose teeth. When a gum disease is left untreated, the gums and the surrounding bone structure that support the teeth can weaken and become damaged – causing the teeth to become loose, and eventually fall out.
Dental Injuries
Dental injuries/accidents (due to falls, playing sports, or other trauma) can cause teeth to become loosened from their sockets. The force directed to the mouth or teeth area may be enough to totally knock off teeth in some cases.
Improper teeth alignment
Improperly aligned teeth can cause additional stress and pressure in the way the teeth come in contact with one another. Over the passage of time, this pressure can cause teeth to move in an abnormal manner as the supporting structures surrounding the teeth weaken – causing the teeth to become loose.
Teeth grinding
Bruxium, or unconscious teeth grinding, can also contribute to the development of loose teeth with intense and regular pressure.
Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw – ONJ (radiotherapy)
Radiotherapy to the face and neck can cause long-lasting side effects or new side effects that develop months or even years later – these are called long-term or late effects.
Two of the most common late effects are a dry mouth and an increased risk of tooth decay. Osteoradionecrosis means bone dead condition, bone exposed to radiation can sometimes break down (become dead) because of a decreased blood supply which can lead to loose teeth. However, this is one of the least common reasons for loose teeth.
Read more about ONJ with the Brigham and Woman’s Hospital’s pdf on ONJ, a fantastic overview, more in-depth overview on: detecting ONJ, treating ONJ, and what you can expect overall.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones affects the periodontium, this allows for the teeth to attach itself to the bone. With hormones weakening the periodontium, it’s no surprise why the teeth loosen.
Plaque
Gums can pull away from teeth because of plaque – forming gaps vulnerable to infection. Over some time, this can disintegrate the tissue, or bone, supporting the teeth. This in turn causes the tooth’s root to become loose – meaning loose a loose tooth.
How to get your loose tooth/teeth treated
Always visit the dentist to confirm the cause of your loose teeth/tooth. They’ll also be able to advice you on what you can do, and what they can do for you. Alternatively, you can read up on ways to stop loose teeth.
In fact, Smiles Centre if offering you an initial consultation for FREE. Ask questions on whats causing your loose teeth specifically, and what treatment would work best. Put your mind as ease, simply by booking your FREE session in now on Smile’s contact page.
As an extra vote of confidence when it comes to our treatment an service, check out Smile’s YouTube page for patient testimonials – they’re “life-changing” and “worth every penny”.
