An estimated one billion adults globally are diagnosed with the leading cause of tooth mobility. A condition that can be remedied by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. Understanding the causes of tooth mobility and its risks can help you improve your oral and general health.
What is Tooth Mobility
Tooth mobility is commonly referred to as a loose tooth. While it is expected in children’s teeth, it is more serious when the teeth are loose in adults. It is not normal to have teeth that move from side to side or up and down in the tooth’s socket.
Causes of Tooth Mobility
Lack of oral hygiene includes not brushing or flossing your teeth, which allows plaque and tartar to build up. This tooth neglect and not seeing your dentist regularly causes the gums to swell and inflame. These are warning signs of periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth mobility.
Periodontal Disease is the cause of most tooth mobility globally. When gingivitis is not treated, it becomes periodontitis. Unfortunately, it also involves the ligaments and bone structure that support your teeth. When a tooth comes away from the gums, these pockets collect food debris, viruses, and bacteria, causing periodontitis or infected gums. If this infection is not treated, it will go deeper into the gums, helping to destroy the teeth and gums.
Bruxism, or Teeth Grinding, is usually done while adults are sleeping. Many people clench and gnash their teeth while awake. Over time, the force loosens the teeth affected by the grinding and the teeth next to them, making it difficult to treat Bruxism.
Pregnancy gingivitis occurs when estrogen and progesterone increase during pregnancy. These hormonal changes can cause gums to swell, bleeding gums as you brush and floss, and, if untreated, can lead to periodontitis and tooth mobility.
Osteoporosis is the loss of bone. Not only does osteoporosis cause bone loss in the limbs, joints, and spine, but it also can cause bone loss in the jaw, creating tooth mobility. While women with osteoporosis are at three times the risk than women without osteoporosis, anyone with osteoporosis is at risk.
If you are taking medication for this condition, tell your dentist, as the meds can interfere with some dental treatments.
Mouth Trauma happens if you fall and hit your lips and teeth or are hit in the mouth with an object such as a fist, hockey puck, or baseball. These injuries can stretch the tissues and ligaments that hold the teeth in the socket. It can also break or fracture front teeth. If you grind your teeth, you may be at a higher risk for mouth trauma. It doesn’t matter what causes the trauma. You need to see a dentist immediately to evaluate your teeth. Better safe than sorry later!
Loose Tooth Symptoms
- There is an odd feeling of movement when you bite into something, brush your teeth, or floss. The teeth wobble when you press on them.
- It is more difficult to chew than usual
- Malocclusion or bite problems
- Tender, reddened gums
- Pressure on surrounding teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Swelling gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing and flossing
- Receding gum lines
Treating Tooth Mobility
Treatments for tooth mobility depend on its severity or stage. It is best to be diagnosed early as treatment is simpler and less invasive.
Medication—The dentist may prescribe medication for swollen or reddened gums, such as an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill mouth bacteria. If your gums are infected, an antibiotic will be ordered.
Mouth Guards are used when you grind your teeth. The guard goes between your teeth before you go to bed to protect your teeth from the grinding and relieve the pressure on your teeth caused by the grinding.
Dental Cleaning by a Professional Only a dental professional should perform dental cleaning. This early-stage treatment helps stabilize the teeth by removing plaque and tartar and decreasing the inflammation of the gums.
Bite Adjustments decrease pressure on your bite. A small portion of enamel is removed from the affected tooth, and the tooth positioned opposite it so the loose tooth can stabilize.
Splinting supports a loose tooth if it is still attached to the gums. It can be done by gluing, bonding, or wiring the loose tooth to the tooth next to it.
Deep Teeth Cleaning or Scaling and Planing treats periodontal disease and keeps loose teeth from loosening further. It helps soothe the gums and remove plaque and tartar.
Dental Bone Grafting is used on individuals who have lost bone through osteoporosis or periodontal disease. Bone tissue is placed in the affected area to support the loose tooth and regenerate new bone.
Pocket Reduction or Osseus Flap Surgery is for more severe forms of loose teeth. A surgeon cuts the gum to the root to eliminate the deep pockets where bacteria can hide. The surgeon then molds the bone around the tooth and restitches the gum.
Gum Grafting covers the exposed roots of your teeth and bulks up the gum line when you have thinning gums or eroded (receding gums) gums. The graft is taken from a healthy area of your mouth and grafted where needed. It is used to decrease any risk of more severe gum disease.
Pulling or Replacing a Loose Tooth is only done if a tooth can’t be saved. The diseased tooth is removed and replaced with a bridge, a dental implant, or a full set of dentures. Once done, you have fully functioning teeth that look great!
Good Oral Hygiene is Key
Healthy oral hygiene habits will eliminate most oral hygiene issues. Brush twice daily, followed by flossing to get the debris the toothbrush can miss. Always brush or rinse your mouth with water after sticky and sweet snacks. Don’t smoke or vape. Eat a diet rich in Vitamins A and D. Wear your night guard to protect your teeth if you grind them at night. Wear a mouth guard during contact sports. See your dentist at least twice a year. Never wait to see a dentist. Waiting makes any oral condition worse and more expensive.
Mark Stern’s Dental Clinic staff is dedicated to making your dental visit stress-free and comfortable. We offer patient-centered care with a holistic approach. Our bilingual staff and dental experts ensure you have a positive experience each time you arrive at our dental clinic in Cancun. We treat Periodontal Disease and specialize in dental implants, Veneers, Root Canals, Teeth Whitening, White Fillings, and Tooth Extraction. If you are a resident of Cancun or a tourist with a dental issue, we are here to give you the best possible dental care. Contact us today to start your journey to improved oral hygiene!
