When we’re young, having a loose tooth is an exciting venture. It was a sign of finally growing up and often meant an impending visit from the Tooth Fairy. Nothing eases the discomfort of a fresh tooth gap like a dollar or two! As adults however, a loose tooth is much more distressing. Rather than dreaming of money under our pillows, our minds go to a future of dental bills and denture bonding paste. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
At Coast Dental, we believe that with the right treatment and knowledge, any smile can be one that lasts. Addressing tooth looseness begins with education as to why teeth become loose to begin with, and what treatment options are available to secure them.
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The Root Causes of Loose Teeth
Tooth looseness, technically known as “occlusal trauma” (“occlusal” – bite; “trauma” – damage or injury), can be categorized into two main causes: excessive biting forces and periodontal (gum) disease.
Excessive Biting Forces: Some individuals, due to habits like clenching or grinding (bruxism), exert abnormal forces on their teeth. This overexertion, also referred to as primary occlusal trauma, can stretch the periodontal ligaments, making the teeth loose over time even in the absence of periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease: While periodontitis is considered a secondary occlusal trauma, it is often the most common factor behind loose teeth (and tooth loss in general). Periodontal disease arises from an uncontrolled bacterial infection that destroys the bone supporting the teeth. Over time, as bone loss continues, teeth fail to withstand ordinary biting forces and become progressively loose before eventually falling out. Nearly half (42%) of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Treatment Approaches
Dealing with tooth looseness involves addressing both primary and secondary occlusal trauma by mitigating the impact of these excessive forces:
- Reducing Parafunctional Forces: The immediate strategy involves alleviating symptoms stemming from excessive force – this may involve the use of minor muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications. Custom occlusal (bite) guards are also effective in reducing high biting forces and managing the habits causing them.
- Professional Cleaning and Oral Hygiene: If your dentist or hygienist notices signs of periodontal disease during a checkup, they may recommend a Scaling & Root Planing (SRP) or deep cleaning under the gumline. Given that bacterial biofilm (dental plaque) is a key player in gum disease, a meticulous deep cleaning by dental professionals alongside daily effective oral hygiene is crucial. This not only controls the progression of disease but often results in the tightening of the teeth due to healed and strengthened gum tissues.
- Dental Adjustments: In cases where normal biting forces become harmful due to significant bone loss, your dentist or periodontist may recommend adjusting or reshaping the biting surfaces of your teeth. This can redirect the forces more effectively and reduce the risk of further damage. In severe cases, teeth may be “splinted” together to improve their stability.
The Bottom Line
Experiencing tooth looseness is a sign that something is amiss and warrants prompt attention from dental professionals. With the right treatments – ranging from addressing the bacterial causes of periodontal disease to managing the exerted biting forces – much can be done to save the teeth and improve oral health.
At Coast Dental, we’re committed to providing not only treatment but also education to empower our patients in maintaining optimal dental health. If you’re experiencing any concerns with tooth looseness, call us at (877) 880-1212 or book your appointment online today.