Loose teeth Gum disease
An adult tooth that moves has lost support. The most common cause is bone loss from periodontitis; others are grinding, a bite that overloads one tooth, and injury. Many loose teeth tighten after the infection is treated and the bite is adjusted. Teeth that cannot be saved are replaced with dental implants.
Signs
- A tooth that moves when pushed
- Teeth drifting or fanning out
- New gaps
- Pain when biting
- A change in the bite
Risk factors
- Advanced periodontitis
- Bruxism
- Missing back teeth that shift the load forward
- Osteoporosis medications (rare effects on bone)
Can a loose tooth tighten back up?
Yes, often. When gum infection is treated, inflammation settles and the ligament firms. A periodontist may adjust the bite, splint loose teeth to their neighbors, and regenerate bone with LANAP or bone grafting.
When does a loose tooth need to come out?
Teeth with bone loss past most of the root, severe mobility or repeated abscesses are removed. The site is usually grafted to keep bone for a dental implant.
Questions
Is a loose adult tooth an emergency?
Not usually, but book an exam within days. A tooth loosened by injury should be seen the same day.
Does a night guard help loose teeth?
For grinding, yes. A guard spreads the force and protects teeth with reduced bone support.
Sources
Gum disease Read next
GingivitisGingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque at the gumline.
Bleeding gumsBleeding gums are the most common early sign of gum disease.
Gum painGum pain most often comes from inflamed gums, food or debris trapped under the gum, a periodontal abscess, or brushing too hard.
Receding gumsGum recession is the gum pulling back from the tooth and exposing the root.Bad breathMost chronic bad breath (halitosis) starts in the mouth: bacteria on the back of the tongue, in gum pockets and under old dental work release sulfur compounds.
Gum disease and your healthPeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and its effects reach beyond the mouth.