Why is my Molar Loose?
Do you remember the first tooth you got? What about the first tooth that came in after you lost your baby teeth? Odds are it was one of your molars. Molars are the workhorses of our mouth. They do not get the same glory as the incisors or the bicuspids, but that are implicitly important in the mastication and chewing process. It just makes sense that they will eventually wear down or become loose.
Why is my Molar Loose?
Your molars are in the back of your mouth, which makes them last in line in the process of chewing your food. The particles of food are small and mushy, almost a slurry of organic material and saliva. Because of this, microscopics particles of food material are able to become lodged in between your teeth and in your gums. If not properly cleaned, the food material will also cling to the surface of your teeth. All of this organic food material will decay. The decayed food will breed bacteria, and harden into plaque and tartar. The plaque and tartar will break your gumline and cause disease and infection in your gums and in the roots of your teeth. All of these factors will create situations where tissue and bone is compromised, which loosens your teeth.
For molars particularly, you may also experience looseness due to teeth grinding. Your molars are situated in a way that lines up with the molars on the row above or below perfectly. This creates and ideal distance to mush and crush food particulates. If there is no food material to chew, your teeth may grind upon one another, causing mechanical damage to your teeth and jaw. Often this grinding happens completely unconsciously.
If grinding persists for too long it may break a tooth, possibly leading to an extraction.
How do Dentists treat Loose Molars?
Begin by seeing your dentist and expressing your concerns. They will begin to advise you on treatment options after a thorough cleaning and assessment. The treatment will depend on the root cause.
- If your looseness is caused by disease- The dentist may recommend scaling or planing your teeth. They will use tools to physically remove plaque or tartar off the surface and under the gumline. They may provide antibiotics or antibacterial mouthwash. They may have you consult with a hygienist for recommendations for care.
- If your looseness is cause by mechanical chewing issues or grinding- Your dentist may make a small adjustment to your bite by reshaping teeth for ergonomics. They may provide you with a nightguard or mouthguard for while you sleep. They may splint your molar to a nearby molar to help secure the tooth in place while treatment options are pursued.
When should I see a Dentist about a loose molar?
As soon as you start to notice looseness in any teeth, make an appointment for consultation and cleaning with your dentist. You want to follow up on any recommendations they make, and seriously consider how consistent your hygiene routines have been. Acting quickly can be the difference between some routine tooth looseness and multiple tooth loss.