Loose Teeth and Bite Problems
Looseness in your teeth can setup a domino effect for bigger problems in your jaw and chewing ability. We all experienced tooth looseness in our adolescence, and it was a sign of new experiences and maturity to come with our adult teeth. However, as adults looseness of our teeth could signify underlying gum disease, infection, or damage to our jaw and tooth structure. This is why it is important to see a dentist regularly, and early, whenever our dental health is called into question. At the first sign of looseness make an appointment with a dental care professional, it may be the defining decision between looseness and tooth loss.
What causes Tooth looseness in adults?
Tooth loosening is typically a sign of periodontal disease. Gum disease and infections can usually trace a root cause to dental hygiene. Some individuals face genetic history of dental degrading diseases that may be causing tooth decay in the root. Causes can also be related to your jaw or the way you chew and bite. Lots of people have issues unconsciously chewing or grinding their teeth. This wear and tear can cause physical damage to the tooth or jaw, which can lead to loose teeth. Whatever the cause may be, your dentist can help recommend a course of action to treat your situation.
What are treatment options?
Usually treatment must begin with hygiene. There is the patient’s personal hygiene which includes tooth brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. There are also broader techniques in dental hygiene performed by a hygienist. These can include scaling, which physically removes plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of teeth. There is also root planing, which cleans and smooths the surface of the tooth root. Hygienist can help to completely clean your teeth and gums, to ensure the ecosystem of your mouth is clean before more mechanical adjustments are made by your dentist.
Some treatments may include physical or mechanical adjustment to your mouth, teeth, or jaw. If your teeth loosening is caused by the mechanical forces of your jaw or bite force, minor adjustments may be made to ergonomically shape the surface areas of your biting. This will help to more evenly express the forces of your jaw, to protect your gums and teeth from damage caused by chewing force. Broken teeth may be fixed with fillings or replaced. Loose teeth may be rescued, attached to other teeth, or replaced with implants to allow the dentist a “blank slate” to begin adjusting the architecture of your mouth.
If chewing or grinding is affecting your teeth and jaw health, a mouthguard may be recommended to protect your teeth from one another. This may be worn at night while you sleep, during stressful or rigorous activity, or whenever recommended by your dentist.
When does treatment begin?
The first step is to see your dentist and ask for a consult about your teeth and tooth looseness. Talk with them about your jaw and bite problems, and be sure to include and pain or discomfort associated with your jaw or teeth.