In children with baby teeth, it is completely normal for a baby tooth to come loose, since it makes way for the permanent tooth. In adults, a loose tooth often has a different cause, such as a physical condition, wearing braces, or sometimes even a deep gum infection. But how serious is it really when your tooth is a little loose? It is important to contact your dentist quickly if you notice that your tooth is not firmly in place, so that no further damage occurs. We discuss the possible causes and any solutions.

Causes of loose teeth in an adult set of teeth

Gum inflammation

Dental plaque cannot be prevented; it always forms. By brushing your teeth well, you remove this plaque and there’s nothing wrong. But when this doesn’t happen, the plaque turns into a hard layer of tartar. This increases the chance of a gum inflammation (gingivitis). This makes the gums look red and swollen, and they also bleed more easily.

A gum inflammation is easy to treat by the dental hygienist. But if you don’t treat it, the inflammation moves inward and affects the jawbone. This causes the teeth to come loose.

An untreated gum inflammation is often the main cause of a loose tooth in adults.

Accident or trauma

A blow to or fall on your jaw can cause one or more teeth to come loose. In most cases, it involves the front teeth. That is why, in combat sports, it is important to wear a special mouthguard that protects your teeth. Is your tooth loose after an accident or trauma?

Then contact the dentist as soon as possible. If you act quickly, the damage often stays limited.

Root canal treatment

If the inside of a tooth is badly inflamed, the dentist performs a root canal treatment. In doing so, they remove the inflamed tooth to prevent further inflammation.

A loose tooth after a root canal treatment is a common phenomenon. The teeth around the extracted tooth are no longer firmly anchored in the bone.

Unfortunately, this problem rarely resolves itself. The dentist often places an implant to fix the loose tooth firmly in the bone again.

Loose teeth due to a missing neighboring tooth

It sometimes happens that an adult loses a tooth, for whatever reason. It is important that the dentist fills this space with an implant with a crown. Without a tooth, the pressure on the jawbone is too low. This gives the body a signal that the bone is no longer needed, with the result that the bone shrinks in this spot and adjacent teeth lose their firmness.

So contact the dentist as soon as possible. We then make sure the jawbone quickly gets enough pressure again.

What to do if your tooth is loose?

It is important that you make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible when you notice that a tooth is loose. The sooner the dentist can assess the situation, the greater the chance that the tooth can still be saved. Other important things you can do yourself are:

• Don’t move the tooth any more than necessary!
• Avoid hard and sticky food.
• Brush gently and rinse with a hydrogen peroxide to prevent infections.

Should I pull the tooth out?

No, by pulling the tooth out yourself you increase the risk of crooked teeth. It is better to have the loose tooth looked at by the dentist. If your child’s baby tooth is very loose and a new tooth is already coming in behind it, it is sometimes useful to wiggle the tooth and help the process along, but removing the tooth too early may cause problems. Are you in doubt about a loose tooth? Then feel free to contact us and have one of our experts check your teeth.

How do I prevent a loose tooth?

The best way to prevent a loose tooth is through good oral hygiene. This keeps your teeth healthy and strong. We have a few other tips to prevent loose teeth:

• Avoid smoking and the use of other tobacco products.
• Wear a night guard at night if you grind your teeth.
• Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
• Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet, and take extra supplements if needed.
• Go to the dentist regularly for a periodic check.

When should I see the dentist for a loose tooth?

Do you feel that one of your teeth is loose after an accident or trauma? Then go to the dentist as soon as possible. A broken or loose tooth is a dental emergency; at most practices this means you can come by the same day.

Do you have a loose tooth without having had an accident or trauma? Then make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. There’s a good chance there is an underlying dental problem that you need to have treated quickly.

Contact iSmile Tandartspraktijk

Do you notice something unusual about your teeth, or would you like advice about your oral health? Then feel free to get in contact with the iSmile dental practice. Our expert dentists and dental hygienists are happy to guide you toward better oral health. Call 020 218 42 57, send an email to info@ismile-tandartspraktijk.nl, or make an appointment online right away via the buttons below.

About Leena Ibrahim

Leena Ibrahim is the founder of iSmile Tandartspraktijk and has been working as a dentist for more than twenty years. After her training as a Doctor of Dental Surgery at Western University in Canada, she gained four years of experience as a general dentist before settling in the Netherlands. With iSmile Tandartspraktijk, she realized her vision of high-quality dental care in a calm and personal environment.

Leena has a special affinity with anxious patients and is certified to carry out treatments with laughing gas and sedation. In addition, she completed extensive continuing education, including in the field of implantology, so that she can keep offering her patients the best possible care. In her blogs, she shares her knowledge and advice to help you toward healthy and strong teeth.