Loose Teeth And The Importance Of Seeing Your Dentist

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Loose teeth can occur for many reasons, and when left untreated will fall out and leave a gap. There are a few steps that can be taken to reduce tooth loss even when a loose tooth is present - and they begin with dental care at home and at the dental office.

It is important to contact your dental office when a loose tooth occurs to have the best treatment plan to save it and deter other problems from occurring.  

Receding gums and loose teeth

A loose tooth can occur when there is trauma to the area that causes the tooth to move, which in turn loosens the roots. When there are receding gums present it can allow a tooth to loosen as the gums separate away from the tooth where gum disease is present or when the root of a tooth is damaged.

In each of these situations the root or the gums are unable to hold the tooth firmly in place, and the more the tooth is allowed to move, the more it will increase the likelihood of falling out.

Infections and loose teeth

To begin treatment at home, a salt water rinse can assist in removing some discomfort as well as debris when that is a contributing factor. It will also decrease swelling in the gums and may help to draw out any infection that is forming.

When swelling and infection go down, the gums are better able to surround the tooth and regain some hold. This will decrease movement of the tooth, which in turn will help to strengthen its position in the gums.

Brushing gently along with salt rinse can help remove residue and buildup which can help lower gum irritation or receding gums.

Dental appointments and loose teeth

At a dental appointment the dentist will assess the reason for the tooth becoming loose and form a treatment plan suitable to the cause. This may include adjusting the bite of the teeth to change the pressure points and allow the tooth to strengthen in position. An antibiotic may be prescribed for any infection that is causing a tooth to loosen.

Once infection and swelling are controlled, the gums and roots can strengthen their hold on the tooth. If a deep cleaning is needed, it can remove buildup and tartar that may be causing a tooth to separate from its gums and weaken its support system.

When these are unsuccessful it is possible to connect a tooth to the teeth around it to help support the tooth in place. This is called splinting and might add to the time the tooth can be protected, allowing for other measures to help the tooth become better seated and supported as well.

A loose tooth can happen for many reasons, but there are treatments for most of them. A tooth can be deep cleaned, treated for gum infection or disease, supported against the teeth around it, or in some cases removed.

It is important to see your dentist if you have a loose tooth to increase the chances of saving it.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Image by Rafael Juárez from Pixabay