What Are The Causes And Solutions For Loose Teeth?

Discovering that you have a loose tooth is a disconcerting and worrying feeling. As children, we became used to wobbly teeth but the promise of a coin under the pillow and a new tooth was always reassuring! As adults, however, the prospect of a gap in our smile is more concerning, especially as the cause may be unknown.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of loose teeth and the best way to proceed if you find that one of your teeth is wobbly.

What Should You Do If You Discover A Loose Tooth?

If you realise that you have a loose tooth, it’s important that you don’t do anything to make the situation worse, so resist the urge to wiggle or pull it.

The sooner a dentist assesses and addresses the problem, the better the chances of saving the tooth, so contact a private dental practice for immediate professional advice and treatment.

What Can Cause Loose Teeth In Adults?

Loose teeth can be attributed to a variety of underlying causes, each of which requires a tailored treatment plan to ensure that you retain your teeth for as long as possible:

Gum disease: One of the most prevalent causes of loose teeth is gum disease, particularly in the advanced stage of periodontitis. This condition can lead to the recession of gum tissue, which exposes the roots of the teeth and weakens the vital structures that anchor them in place.
Trauma: Physical injuries to the mouth, such as accidents or sports-related impacts, can result in teeth becoming loose, particularly if the force of the trauma damages their supporting structures.
Osteoporosis: A condition that affects the density of your bones, osteoporosis may weaken the jawbone so that it can no longer provide a stable foundation for your teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Bruxism: Bruxism – grinding or clenching your teeth, especially during sleep – is a common problem that can exert excessive pressure on them. Over time, this can cause teeth to loosen, so identifying and addressing bruxism is crucial to prevent further damage.

Can A Dentist Fix Loose Teeth?

When you visit your dentist, they will initially assess the underlying cause of your loose tooth and recommend a suitable course of action:

Deep cleaning: If gum disease is the cause, a deep cleaning procedure, also known as scaling and root planing, may be recommended to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar below the gumline and allow the gums to heal.
Medication: In some cases, your dentist may prescribe medications to combat infection or inflammation that is associated with gum disease or other oral conditions.
Splinting: For moderately loose teeth, splinting may be considered which involves attaching the loose tooth to adjacent teeth for support, allowing it to re-stabilise over time.
Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary to prevent further complications and maintain your oral health. Your dentist will discuss options for filling the gap the extraction leaves, such as dental implants or bridges.

Book An Appointment Today

Loose teeth can be a sign of underlying oral conditions, so our experts at New Road Dental Practice are here to help. Simply get in touch to register as a new patient and book your first appointment.

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Dr. Ravi Solanki BDS Sheffield (2002) MFDS RCS (Eng) PGCME GDC No: 80945

Ravi qualified in 2002 from the University of Sheffield with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Having completed his degree, he joined New Road Dental for one year, then served as a House officer and Senior House Officer in Cardiff Dental Hospital, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Birmingham Dental Hospital. His experience included working in several specialties including Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative, Paediatric, Periodontology, and conscious sedation.

Ravi is registered with the General Dental Council and is a member of the British Dental Association. He completed the prestigious Membership of the Fellowship of Dental Surgeons of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2005, then returned to general practice. He is a Clinical Director of New Road Dental and works full time. His particular interests include oral surgery, dental implants, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and treating anxious patients.

Ravi is an approved Foundation Dentist Trainer with the West Midlands Deanery. This is a prestigious position where he is responsible for the training of newly qualified dentists. In 2013 he successfully completed his Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Education from the University of Wolverhampton. Ravi is also a proud provider of Fastbraces® Technology.

His brother, Pritesh (Tesh), is also part of the practice. With their amazing team, they have made some improvements in the practice over the last 10 years, which means patients can now benefit from state of the art advancements in dentistry and facial aesthetics.

On the personal side, Ravi is married with 2 children – 1 boy and 1 girl. Most patients know he loves cricket and food. Ravi also swims and practices Wing Chun Kung Fu. He and his family love to travel to explore different cultures and cuisines.

Ravi says: "What I really enjoy about dentistry is the way we have changed people's lives by helping them with their confidence. The difference it makes still manages to surprise me."