Why Is My Molar Loose?
Losing a tooth can be a magical, exhilarating, and sometimes painful part of childhood. But once your adult teeth come in, having loose teeth can be an unsettling experience. Unfortunately, it is a relatively common problem many adults experience at least once in their lifetimes. Luckily, with proper treatment, loose teeth can be saved, but it is best to seek treatment quickly. When you experience a loose tooth as an adult, contact your dentist as soon as possible to have an examination and consultation.
What Causes Loose Teeth?
It is a rare occurrence for a tooth to fall out on its own. There are a variety of factors that can cause loose teeth including poor dental health, trauma to the mouth or face, and other underlying medical conditions.
Dental Health
It is important to maintain good dental health for your overall well being as well as keeping a healthy mouth. Gum disease or periodontal disease can be a contributor to teeth loosening. Periodontal disease occurs when the bacteria that makes up dental plaque begins eating away at the gums. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, the bacteria can infect the bone surrounding and supporting the teeth as well as the gums. When the decay becomes severe enough, teeth can become loose in the jaw. Other symptoms of gum disease are bad breath, bleeding gums, and gums that are sensitive to touch and temperature.
Dental Trauma
Accidental impacts to the face and mouth due to falls or sports injuries are one of the most common causes of loose teeth in adults. While some damaged areas are able to heal on their own, it is vital to consult a dentist to determine the extent of the injury. If trauma causes teeth to feel loose in the jaw, it is likely a sign that more extensive damage has been done.
Medications and Underlying Medical Conditions
Certain medications affect how the body utilizes the calcium in your diet. Some anti-seizure medication prevents your body from absorbing calcium, leading to weakened bone and tooth structures. Other medications have dry mouth as a side effect, which can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Underlying medical conditions, such as HIV, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis can also put you at higher risk of gum disease, a common contributor to gum disease. If not properly accounted for, this risk can lead to loose teeth through infected gums and dental bones.
Preventing Loose Teeth
The best way to prevent loose adult teeth are the same common sense practices that keep your mouth healthy. Practicing proper oral hygiene, brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will keep your teeth and gums healthy. Avoiding tobacco will greatly lower your risk of gum disease. Wearing a mouthguard during sports and a night guard during sleep will reduce the damage to your teeth from accidental impacts and tooth grinding. Professional cleanings several times a year will make sure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and can help you to track other causes of wear and tear that can lead to loose teeth.
If you are concerned about a tooth that feels loose, set an appointment. Ignoring the issue can lead to the issue getting worse and may even lead to the need for extraction.