Loose Teeth & Bite Problems
Losing your first tooth as a child is very exciting, however, tooth loss as an adult is reason for concern. It can be painful, awkward, and challenging to have a loose tooth. Teeth which are loose can also fall out or need to be extracted. It is important to take quick action in order to preserve the tooth and avoid further damage.
Gum disease is the most common cause for loose teeth and tooth loss. This bacterial infection can effects the gums and bone tissues which surround and support the teeth. Bacterial plaque which collects on the teeth is often caused by poor oral hygiene practices. Periodontal disease causes the gum tissue to detach from the teeth over time. In addition, it damages to jawbone. As the disease worsens, the bone is effected and it can result in loose teeth. In severe cases of gum disease, the teeth can fall out completely.
Another common cause of loose teeth is teeth grinding and clenching of the jaw. The extreme and constant forces cause the periodontal ligaments to stretch. Periodontal ligaments attach the teeth to the jawbone and when they are stretched, it results in loose teeth. Patients who grind their teeth at night or chronically clench their jaw often experience loose teeth, damage to the bone, and ongoing discomfort.
Treatment
The best treatment for loose teeth will depend on the cause. Loose teeth from gum disease will usually require a professional deep cleaning. Deep cleaning involves the removal of plaque, tartar, calculus, and infection if it is present. During the procedure, the dental professional will clean the surface of the tooth below the gum line. Treatment also involves teaching the patient how to consistently practice good oral hygiene at home. Improved oral hygiene and a deep cleaning will reduce inflammation and give the gums a chance to heal. In most cases, the loose teeth will be resolved.
Patients with an uneven bite can also experience loose teeth due to the uneven biting forces. The dentist will work to even out the patient’s bite. The dentist will adjust how the upper and lower teeth fit together to ensure biting forces are evenly distributed. In some cases, an even bite is achieved through simply repairing a broken filling or damaged tooth.
Splints can also be helpful in reducing the forces of biting. This solution can be temporary or permanent depending on the needs of the patient. A splint helps to ensure biting forces are evenly distributed. They also give loose or damaged teeth an opportunity to heal. In most cases, the splint is a small metal bracket which is secured to the top or back of the adjacent teeth.
Patients may grind their teeth while they are sleeping which can cause pain and other issues. In this case, the dentist will often suggest the patient begin using a night guard to protect their teeth from the ongoing forces of biting. A night guard will also protect the teeth from experiencing additional damage.
Patients who have loose teeth should follow up with dentist right away to discuss the cause and best treatment. In many cases, loose teeth can often be treated and repaired. Prompt attention is critical in the best possible outcome. Ignoring loose teeth can result in long-term damage or complete loss of the tooth.