Waking up one morning and noticing that you have a loose tooth when you push on it can be unsettling. While loose teeth are normal during childhood, we typically think something is wrong when we can move a permanent tooth. Continue reading to learn more about what to do when you notice a loose tooth.
Our goal at Trident General Dentistry is to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and enjoy a bright smile. Contact us to learn more about the services we provide.
Normal Tooth Movement
Many people think of their teeth as immovably fixed into their jawbone. This is a natural thought since our teeth don’t seem to move when we eat, speak, or brush our teeth. However, teeth are attached to the jawbone by an elastic ligament that surrounds the entire roots of our teeth. This important ligament, known as the periodontal ligament, allows teeth to move.
Gentle pressure on the periodontal ligament allows teeth to be orthodontically straightened. Also, if you received a blow to the mouth in an accident, this ligament allows the tooth to move instead of breaking. Under these circumstances, it would be normal to have teeth move slightly when pushed. However, not all tooth movement is normal and healthy.
When To Be Concerned About Loose Teeth
The periodontal ligament allows for some normal tooth looseness, such as during braces, but other instances of a loose tooth signal a dental problem. Some of the possible causes of a tooth being more than minimally loose in its socket include:
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Gum disease. The initial phase of gum disease, known as gingivitis, causes sore and bleeding gums that you can eliminate with a professional teeth cleaning and improved oral hygiene. However, without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. This is inflammation and infection of the periodontal ligament and the bone that supports teeth to keep them tight in their sockets. In the early stage of periodontal disease, the tooth may only move slightly when pushed. The disease process can cause severe tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss as it progresses.
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Bruxism. Grinding your teeth while sleeping, referred to as bruxism, has many adverse consequences. In addition to premature tooth wear, tooth fractures, and muscle pain, bruxism is a major cause of loose teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, you may notice one or more loose teeth in the morning. These may tighten during the day at first, but the situation can worsen significantly over time.
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Bad bite. When your teeth fit together correctly, there is minimal looseness. However, if you have crooked teeth, an overbite, or underbite, there may be added pressure on teeth when you bite together. This can affect the periodontal ligament and cause mild to severe tooth mobility.
How Can You Prevent Teeth From Moving?
Unless you are having your teeth orthodontically straightened, you want to keep your teeth firmly in place. Steps you can take to prevent your teeth from loosening and moving include:
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Wearing a nightguard. Wearing a custom-made nightguard can protect your teeth and keep them from loosening.
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Correcting your bite. Depending on the cause of your bad bite, several cosmetic and general dentistry procedures, including orthodontics, can help correct the problem.
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Practicing good oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing, and regular professional teeth cleanings and exams can help prevent loose teeth caused by gum disease.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact us at Trident General Dentistry for a comprehensive dental exam if you are concerned about your teeth moving when pushed.