For a kid it is very normal to feel a tooth start to wiggle. Kids might even get a little excited looking forward to their adult teeth and a visit from the tooth fairy. But for an adult a loose tooth can be quite concerning. In this article we will cover reasons why your adult tooth might be loose. If you live in the Chicago area and have questions about your oral health, please contact us to set up a meeting at our offices in the area.
There are a variety of issues that might cause your tooth to get loose or begin to wiggle as an adult, they include;
Trauma to The Mouth: One of the most common reasons for a loose tooth is an injury to the mouth. An injury while playing a sport or due to another issue can cause your tooth to loosen. You will want to see a dentist as quickly as possible to make sure your tooth root is intact.
Health Concerns: There are a variety of health-related concerns that can weaken your teeth. Underlying conditions like Osteoporosis can weaken your dental roots which can lead to loose adult teeth that even fall out. Some medications can also decrease your ability to absorb calcium which can affect your tooth health.
Teeth Grinding: Bruxism, or grinding your teeth, can put pounds of pressure on your teeth. Over months or years of grinding your teeth you can start to weaken your tooth roots.
Gum Disease: Various gum disease issues can weaken the connection between your tooth root and your mouth which can lead to wiggling teeth that can eventually fall out.
If your adult tooth is loose and you don’t know why, you should immediately make a dental appointment with a local dentist. A dentist can provide a professional dental exam to see if your gums or teeth are potentially damaged. If your wiggling tooth is accompanied by any other symptoms like extreme toothaches, bleeding gums, or discoloration of your teeth, you should make an emergency dental exam to have the problem addressed quickly.
