Loose Teeth & Bite Problems
As adults, we expect our permanent teeth to last throughout our life but it is not uncommon for patients to find themselves with a loose tooth! Experiencing a loose tooth as an adult can make eating painful and can cause a decrease in both the quality of life and self-esteem for the patient. If a loose tooth is addressed right away, it is possible that the tooth can be saved and will not need to be extracted so it is vital to see your dentist as soon as possible when you notice a loose tooth!
Causes of Loose Teeth in Adults
A number of factors can lead to loose teeth including accident or trauma, medical conditions, certain medication, and the most common culprit: gum disease. The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, indicated by puffy, swollen gums that bleed during oral hygiene. When plaque is left to sit along the gum line due to ineffective oral hygiene, it hardens into tartar and the bacteria get into the gum pockets causing the tissue to become red and swollen.
At this early stage, gum disease can usually be treated and any negative effects of gingivitis can be reversed. Left untreated can allow it to progress into advanced periodontitis which is much more severe and the effects of which cannot be reversed.
When gingivitis advances into periodontitis, additional damage can occur. At this point, the gum tissue will begin to recede from the tooth structure allowing the surface of the route to become exposed which can be very painful for the patient and cause extreme sensitivity.
Trauma is another way your teeth can become loose. When a patient experiences a hit to the mouth from a fall or car accident or even while playing contact sports, the ligaments that keep teeth attached to the gum and bone can become damaged. Your dentist may be able to apply a stent to the tooth to keep it stable while the ligaments heal.
When the gum tissue recedes, bone structure becomes vulnerable. When the jawbone begins to deteriorate, teeth are not able to withstand normal bite force and become loose. Teeth can eventually become so loose that they either fall out on their own or have to be extracted.
Bite Issues
Gum disease can also negatively impact your bite. When the gum tissue recedes, bone structure becomes vulnerable and can begin to deteriorate. Teeth are not able to withstand normal bite force and become loose. Bruxism is another malady that can cause bite problems and cause loose teeth.
Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that a lot of patients do in their sleep. Patients that suffer from bruxism may notice tenderness in the jaw and face upon waking and may experience frequent headaches. When too much force is applied to the teeth, it causes the periodontal ligaments that join the teeth to the jaw bone to stretch, in turn causing the teeth to become loose. Bruxism can also accelerate bone loss and excessive tooth wear.
Your dentist can help alleviate your symptoms and prevent further damage by fabricating a custom night guard for you to sleep in! If you experience bleeding during your home care routine or facial pain upon waking, see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your teeth.