Did you know that over 8% of British adults have one or more loose teeth? Loose teeth can create problems with eating and speaking. But more importantly, a loose tooth indicates an underlying oral health issue which must be addressed promptly. If you are thinking, “Why does my tooth feel loose?”, then this blog is for you. So, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about the causes and management of loose teeth.

Why Does My Tooth Feel Loose?

Teeth can become mobile due to various reasons. One of the most common reasons for mobile teeth is periodontal disease. Our teeth are anchored in their sockets with various fibres. However, when there is underlying gum disease, the harmful bacteria release toxins that destroy these anchoring fibres. As a result, teeth become mobile in their sockets.

Another reason for mobile teeth is bone diseases such as osteoporosis. In such diseases, there is insufficient compact bone available in the jaws to anchor the teeth firmly. Abnormal habits such as nail-biting, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding can also make teeth mobile. Finally, another major cause of mobile teeth is trauma or injury.

Why Do Certain Teeth Feel Loose When I Eat?

It is normal for healthy teeth to have slight mobility when eating something. However, if someone has considerably mobile teeth during eating, it indicates an underlying issue. In most cases, teeth feel loose during eating as a result of underlying gum disease.

What Will Happen If I Shake My Tooth Which Is Not Loose?

If you shake a healthy, non-mobile tooth, you will feel very slight movement. This is nothing to worry about. This is because our teeth are “suspended” in their sockets through fibres. As a result, they show slight mobility while eating or when they are shaken. This helps prevent tooth or jawbone fractures by distributing the force.

Is It Normal For My Tooth To Move A Little Bit When I Push It?

As mentioned earlier, even healthy teeth can show slight movement. Typically, a mobility of 0.25 mm is considered normal for healthy teeth. So, if your teeth move a little when you push them with your fingers, it’s nothing to worry about. However, if they become excessively mobile, you should consult with your dentist without delay.

Can A Loose Tooth Be Fixed Again By Dentists?

It is possible to fix a mobile tooth, depending on the underlying cause. For example, tooth mobility caused by gum disease can be reversed provided treatment is sought in the early stages. Similarly, if a tooth has become mobile due to an injury, it can be re-anchored if treatment is performed timely manner.

Can Flossing Fix A Loose Permanent Tooth?

Dental floss helps remove food debris from the tight spaces between the teeth. So, flossing could indirectly help fix a loose tooth by improving one’s oral hygiene. Once optimal oral hygiene is restored, your body’s immune system will gradually neutralise the disease-causing bacteria and overcome the gum infection. As a result, this will help re-anchor the loose teeth.

Is It True That Braces Weaken The Teeth?

People who wear braces often complain that their teeth feel loose during treatment. This occurs because braces force the teeth to move within the jawbone. Hence, the teeth transiently appear loose or mobile. However, they will become re-anchored firmly once the treatment is complete and the braces are removed.

Do Dental Deep Cleanings Loosen Teeth?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, one’s teeth can become transiently mobile after deep cleaning. This occurs because your dentist will remove the tartar deposits from your teeth, creating spaces between them. However, if you ensure optimal oral hygiene afterwards, you can expect your teeth to become re-anchored in a few days. So, don’t worry if your teeth become slightly loose after deep cleaning; it is transient.

How To Fix A Loose Tooth From An Injury Due To A Fight?

The management of loose teeth caused by an injury depends on the extent of the damage. Your dentist will perform a detailed clinical examination and examine the X-ray images of the affected tooth from various angles. This will allow them to ascertain whether the tooth is fractured and whether it can be restored.

Typically, dentists splint mobile teeth to the neighbouring, healthy teeth using wires. This allows the affected tooth to stabilise and re-anchor itself. However, if your dentist feels that a mobile tooth cannot be saved, they will remove it and replace it with an implant-supported prosthesis.

Why Do Some Women Have Loose Teeth During Pregnancy?

According to the NHS, some women can suffer from gum inflammation during pregnancy. This occurs due to pregnancy-related hormonal fluctuations, particularly progesterone and estrogen. As a result, some women can also experience loosening of their teeth. However, this condition is temporary and will resolve itself over time.

How To Prevent Loose Teeth?

The best way to prevent tooth loss is to ensure optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing. More importantly, you should visit your dentist regularly for checkups. This helps in diagnosing and treating developing dental problems before they cause permanent damage or require expensive treatment.

Are you looking for the best dental practice in Ballsbridge? Look no more! Pembroke Dental provides a wide range of high-quality dental services under one roof. We take pride in having one of the best teams of dentists in town. So, request a free consultation today and let us take care of your entire family’s dental needs.