The majority of us most likely never think about our teeth becoming loose once we are past the childhood stage and have entered our adult life with our permanent teeth. When we do notice that a tooth has become less stable then, it is naturally a cause for concern.<\/p>\n
A loose or wobbly tooth might be noticed when eating, brushing your teeth or simply running your tongue over the area. Whether the tooth just feels a little loose or is significantly so, you shouldn\u2019t just ignore it. There are several reasons why this might happen. Sometimes, the issue can be resolved relatively easily, while other times, it may require more extensive treatment. The sooner the cause is identified though, the more likely it is that the tooth can be protected.<\/p>\n
One of the most common reasons for a loose adult tooth is gum disease. This begins when plaque bacteria build up around the gum line. If the plaque is not removed properly, the gums become inflamed<\/a> and begin to pull away from the teeth. When this happens, you might notice red, swollen or bleeding gums. Unfortunately, these early signs are often ignored because gum disease is not usually painful. If the condition progresses, it can begin to damage the bone and surrounding tissues that hold the teeth in place. As this support is gradually lost, the teeth are likely to start to move.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A sudden blow to the mouth can also cause a tooth to become loose. This might happen during contact sports, a fall, an accident or even something as simple as biting down unexpectedly on a hard object. The ligaments surrounding the tooth can be damaged by the impact. A loose tooth following an injury should always be assessed by one of the dentists at the Cygnet Dental Practice as soon as possible for the best chance of saving the tooth.<\/p>\n Some people grind or clench their teeth, especially while they sleep. This can place a lot of pressure on the teeth. Although grinding does not always lead to a loose tooth, it can contribute to damage and make existing problems worse. You might not realise that you grind your teeth, but possible signs such as worn or chipped teeth, headaches in the morning, jaw discomfort or increased sensitivity might indicate that you do.<\/p>\nPhysical blows to the teeth<\/h3>\n
Bruxism<\/h3>\n