Teeth can become loose and over time fall off if not treated early. Children typically begin to have loose teeth at age 6 years. The baby teeth becomes loose and are replaced by permanent teeth. In adults, however, it is abnormal to have loose teeth or teeth that fall out spontaneously. There are a number of reasons why teeth may become loose in adults and these may include:
1. Poor oral hygiene: The commonest cause of loose teeth is gum disease resulting from poor oral hygiene. Plaque and calculus accumulation leads to gum irritation and eventually gum disease which may present as loose teeth.
2. Advanced gum disease: Gum disease may manifest first as bleeding gums, gum swelling, or gum recession resulting from bacterial infection. In the later stages, the structures that keep the teeth firm (known as the periodontium) weaken and the teeth are noticed to be mobile/loose.
3. Trauma to teeth and facial injuries: Domestic accidents like falls, road traffic accidents and sport injuries where force is transmitted to the teeth may cause them to become loose. In some cases, injuries may be sustained from eating hard foods like bones or using your teeth inappropriately.
4. Systemic illnesses: Medical conditions like Diabetes Mellitus have been linked with gum disease. It causes the tooth to lose its firm support and eventually become loose. Also, conditions that affect the calcium metabolism of the body affect the bones and teeth. Examples of such conditions include: hypophosphatasia, hyperthyroidism etc. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy have also been linked to the development of loose teeth.
5. Teeth grinding/bruxism: Oral habits like grinding can damage the supporting structures of the teeth and cause them to become mobile.
6. Tobacco Smoking: those who smoke tobacco have been proven to be at a higher risk of having loose teeth than those who do not smoke.
Tips to get Loose teeth Firm again
1. Schedule a Dental appointment as soon as you notice you have a loose tooth: Loose teeth as a result of poor oral hygiene may become firm again following removal of accumulated plaque and calculus through a procedure called scaling and polishing/root planing.
2. Having regular Professional Dental cleanings: This should be done every 6 months or more frequently for those who are prone to having more plaque and calculus accumulations. Adequate oral hygiene practices and scheduled regular dental cleanings will prevent gum disease and ensure that they do not become loose/ make them firm again.
3. Gum surgeries: Surgical procedures like bone augmentation/grafting and flap surgery may be indicated in advanced gum disease.
4. Splinting: Loose teeth from trauma can be splinted (joined with adjacent teeth) for a few weeks and observed. This is done to prevent movement of the loose teeth which in turn makes them firm.
5. Management of Medical conditions: ensuring diabetes mellitus is controlled. Medical conditions that affect calcium metabolism, bone and teeth should be well managed to prevent adverse effects to the teeth.
6. Tobacco smoking cessation: quitting will help the gums heal after gum treatment thereby improving the looseness.
7. Mouth guard/ Night guard: This can prevent teeth damage resulting from teeth grinding at night. Also, they protect your teeth from trauma resulting from sport injuries.
Severely loose teeth may need to be pulled out and replaced with a denture, bridge or implant.
To be sure you do not have loose teeth, schedule a check up appointment with your dentist.
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