What to Do About a Loose Tooth as an Adult

As a child, a loose tooth can be a cause for celebration thanks to a visit from the tooth fairy. But when you experience a loose tooth as an adult, it can be a cause for concern. The first thing you need to do is not to panic. There is help available to you from your dentist if something like this happens or you’re concerned about your teeth. So what should you do about a loose tooth as an adult? Take a look at the following information and advice for taking care of your teeth.

WHAT CAN CAUSE A LOOSE TOOTH?

A loose tooth can be caused by a number of conditions, although the cause may not be obvious at first. If you’ve had an accident or suffered an injury to your mouth, then your tooth will likely feel loose immediately, and a trip to the dentist is in order.

Other causes of loose teeth can happen over time. Symptoms that might accompany a loose tooth include bleeding gums, receding gums, or red/inflamed gums. Some of the most common causes of a loose tooth as an adult include:

POOR DENTAL HYGIENE

Basic oral hygiene is the best way of taking care of your teeth. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting a dentist are just some of the ways you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.

If you’ve been neglecting your dental hygiene, your teeth could be experiencing a build-up of plaque, which can affect the health of your teeth and gums. Effective brushing can help prevent gum disease, bleeding gums, and stop your teeth from becoming damaged and decayed. Decay can cause teeth to wobble and even fall out if left untreated.

If you have poor dental hygiene, it’s important to make changes as soon as possible. Start by improving your daily dental care routine. This should include brushing and flossing, as well as using an antibacterial mouthwash.

Meanwhile, a visit to a periodontist can help you take better care of your teeth and gums. At Baton Rouge Perio, we provide a range of periodontal treatments to help treat poor dental hygiene.

GUM DISEASE (PERIODONTAL DISEASE)

If left untreated, periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, can lead to a loose tooth. The bacteria that cause gum disease can start to attack gums, as well as the bones in your jaw - meaning the structure that helps keep your teeth in place becomes weak and ineffective.

Some of the signs of gum disease include:

• Swollen or inflamed gums
• Red gums
• Bleeding gums, especially after brushing
• Bad breath
• Receding gums

If you think you could be showing signs of gum disease, it’s important to book an appointment today. Baton Rouge Perio provides a wide range of treatments to help treat the signs of gum disease to keep your teeth and gums healthy. There are treatments for bleeding gums including professional cleaning, laser therapy, and even bone and tissue regeneration. These treatments can help you improve the condition of your teeth and keep gum disease at bay.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to weaken and is particularly common in older adults. Osteoporosis can affect the health of your jaw bone, which could cause your teeth to become loose. If you’re showing signs of osteoporosis, you may wish to schedule an appointment about treatments that can help.

PREGNANCY

Pregnancy causes a surge in hormones, which can affect the periodontium - the bones and tissue responsible for keeping your teeth in place. Loose teeth can be a temporary side effect of pregnancy, but if you’re at all concerned and want to rule out other causes, make an appointment for a checkup.

WHAT TO DO WHEN AN ACCIDENT CAUSES A LOOSE TOOTH

If you suffer an accident or injury that causes damage to your tooth, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. An emergency dental appointment might be necessary to help you get treated quickly.

During your examination, we will assess the damage to see what can be done to save it. Some treatments to treat your loose tooth include splinting it to surrounding teeth, which can help to strengthen the tissue and ligaments that hold teeth in place.

A loose tooth that’s been healed properly won’t always be loose, provided care is in place to maintain the tooth’s condition.

Unfortunately, not all loose teeth can be saved. In the event that a tooth needs to be removed, there are steps that can be taken to fit a replacement that will replace your tooth. Some of the treatments to replace a missing tooth include:

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are an effective way of replacing missing teeth. Dental implants will provide a long-lasting solution to a missing tooth through the use of a support post implanted into the jaw that will allow a crown to be fitted. Provided the jaw has been given a chance to heal; it can be one of the best ways of replacing a missing tooth. Dental implants are designed to be indistinguishable from your natural teeth, helping you get your smile back.

DENTURES

If you need several teeth removed, then dentures or partial dentures can be a less invasive option compared to an implant. While they are not permanent, they can be a convenient way to replace missing teeth.

WHO TO CONTACT ABOUT A LOOSE TOOTH

An appointment with Baton Rouge Periodontal will be able to assess the damage caused to your tooth and its support structure and outline the most suitable treatment options for your needs. Don’t ignore a loose tooth - get it checked out as soon as possible.

At Baton Rouge Perio, we provide a range of treatments to aid common dental concerns, including loose teeth. Contact us today and make an appointment with our friendly team.