It’s perfectly normal for a person’s first set of teeth to fall out before their early teens, but finding that an adult tooth is wiggling too much in its socket can be quite disconcerting. A loose adult tooth is at an increased risk of being lost, meaning that it qualifies as a dental emergency that requires professional attention. Here’s a quick guide to what you should do if your permanent tooth is loose to prevent its loss and preserve your oral health.
Why Is My Adult Tooth Loose?
An adult tooth may loosen for many reasons, but one of the most common is trauma. Injuries of the mouth or jaw can break a tooth partially free from the connective tissue holding it in place, and such a tooth is likely to eventually work itself out of its socket completely if it goes untreated. Athletic injuries are an especially common cause of permanent teeth coming loose, so it’s best to wear a customized athletic mouthguard from your dentist for protection when playing sports.
Advanced gum disease is also a common cause of teeth coming loose due to the decay of the connective tissue securing them. While gum disease can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene if it is caught in the early stage of gingivitis, it will lead to permanent damage such as gum recession, tooth loss, and jawbone erosion if left untreated.
What Should I Do if My Adult Tooth Is Loose?
A loose permanent tooth is at immediate risk of being lost, so the first thing to do if you notice one is to call your emergency dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. During this phone call, you can expect the office staff member to provide you with instructions for managing the situation until your appointment. You will probably receive such advice as:
- Continue brushing and flossing, but avoid touching the loose tooth when you do so
- Avoid sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods that can stress the loose tooth
- Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the loose tooth altogether
- Never touch or interfere with the loose tooth
Your emergency dentist may be able to address the issue through an appliance such as a dental splint or through another treatment that allows your tooth to reintegrate with its surrounding gum tissue and bone structure. However, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced if it cannot be saved. You can trust that your dentist will do everything in their power to preserve your teeth and your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Frank J. Sapienza earned his dental degree in 1985 at the New York University College of Dentistry and stays up to date with the latest developments in his field through continuing education courses. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York. His office in Brooklyn offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If your permanent tooth is loose, dial (718) 965-6298. For more information about the practice, contact the staff online.