Discover the Cause of a Loose Tooth

Manhattan Loose Teeth Causes | Upper West Side Dentist

After you have lost your baby teeth, you assume your days of having loose teeth are over. So when an adult tooth becomes loose, it is a reason to worry. Having loose adult teeth can mean that a ligament, which normally suspends the tooth, isn't functioning properly. There might also be damage to your gums or jaw bone, according to Dear Doctor.

So how does this damage happen? Why do teeth become loose? Dear Doctor claims there are three reasons for ligament damage.

The first is excessive bite force, also called "primary occlusal trauma." This results from grinding or clenching of teeth over periods of time. The second potential reason is from disease, specifically advanced periodontal disease. This affects the bone around your tooth, causing extensive bone loss. Secondary occlusal trauma can become a result of this, and occurs when "normal forces are applied to the teeth but the ligaments are unable to withstand these forces because of so much bone loss." This is typically the reason for most loose teeth. Finally, trauma to the face can cause teeth to become loose, such as a blow to the face.

So now you know how your tooth became loose, but what can you do to fix it? Dear Doctor says the approach is "both biologic and mechanical." If your loose tooth is due to disease, this periodontal disease must be treated to allow your mouth to heel. That's the biologic approach. The mechanical approach "involves modifying forces applied to the teeth," or changing the way or amount of biting force you generate. Depending on the source and intensity of your loose teeth, there are a few different mechanical solutions.

A mouth guard is one option that may be used as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Another possible option is an occlusal adjustment, which "involves reshaping the biting surface of the tooth to reduce the amount of force it receives," according to Dear Doctor. In certain situations, orthodontic treatment may be used to improve the alignment of teeth. Splinting is another possible solution where teeth are joined together to allow a distribution of bite force. This option can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the amount of bone loss.

Ignoring a loose tooth can cause you further severity or additional problems, so don't ignore it. Instead, reach out to the office of Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD. We will help identify the reason for your loose tooth, and provide you with the best possible solution. Contact us today!