Why do my teeth feel loose and hurt?

Generally, loose teeth are common among children. Eventually, baby teeth have to fall out to give room for permanent teeth. However, if a permanent tooth is loose or mobile, there’s a reason for concern. Tooth mobility often happens when there is insufficient support from the surrounding parts like the gums and bone. It can happen due to several issues like gum disease, gum recession, dental trauma, and jawbone disorders.

A slight touch or pressure can cause the tooth to loosen or fall out, leading to further damage and discomfort. Along with a loose tooth, you may experience pain, bleeding gums, gum recession, abscess, swollen gums, and sore gums. These symptoms often indicate an underlying condition and should be addressed timely.

Fortunately, your dentist may notice some of these symptoms during your routine dental appointments and treat them before they advance to serious stages. Visit our dentist in West San Jose for regular checkups and cleanings.

Why do teeth become weaker with age?

Aging comes with numerous changes, and your mouth is no exception. While your teeth are strong, they can still wear down with time due to many years of chewing, grinding, and brushing. The integrity of your teeth can also be affected by underlying oral issues like tooth decay, dental trauma, bruxism, and gum disease.

Regular exposure to acidic items like apple cider vinegar, citrus fruits, and carbonated beverages can erode your teeth. Poor dental hygiene can also lead to plaque and bacteria attacks, further eroding the enamel. Weakened enamel often leads to more serious dental problems.

Similarly, your tooth’s nerves tend to lose sensitivity with age. To maintain excellent dental health and keep your teeth strong for long, avoid exposure to acidic, sugary, and damaging habits like chewing hard items like ice, hard candy, pens, nails, and more.

Why do my teeth feel loose?

Your teeth can feel loose for several reasons, including:

• Gum disease – Advanced gum disease is a common cause of tooth loss and mobility. Gum or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that causes gum tissue inflammation. Poor dental hygiene is the key cause of gum infection. Severe gum disease can lead to gum recession and jawbone deterioration, causing tooth mobility and loss.
• Osteoporosis – This condition mostly happens in older women aged 50 years and above. Osteoporosis is a serious disease that affects bone density, causing the gums and bones to weaken. Often, this condition can lead to jawbone deterioration and receding gums, causing tooth loss and mobility.
• Dental trauma – Dental injuries from accidents, falls, or teeth grinding can cause tooth loss or mobility. Refrain from habits like chewing or touching the tooth to prevent the tooth from loosening further.

What to do if you have a loose tooth?

Consult Your Dentist Right Away

Upon noticing a loose tooth, your immediate action should be to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Professional evaluation is essential to understand the underlying cause and to decide on the best treatment to prevent further deterioration or potential tooth loss.

Refrain from Touching the Tooth

Keeping the loose tooth as stable as possible is crucial. Avoid touching, wiggling, or attempting to pull it out on your own. These actions can make things worse, which raises the risk of hurting the tooth and gum tissue around it.

Adjust Your Diet and Oral Hygiene Practices

To protect your loose tooth, steer clear of foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky, as they can put undue pressure on the tooth or become lodged around it. Examples include raw carrots, nuts, and sticky candies. Instead, choose softer foods that require little chewing effort. To keep your mouth healthy, rinse it gently with a gentle saltwater solution to clean it and get rid of any food or other particles.

By following these guidelines, you can manage a loose tooth and minimize complications until you receive professional dental care. Prompt and proper attention to dental issues is vital for maintaining overall oral health.

How can you make your teeth strong?

If you have loose teeth, it’s imperative to seek dental care to address the issue. The type of treatment that you receive will depend on the underlying cause. Common solutions for loose teeth include:

• Tooth extraction – If the tooth damage is too severe, tooth extraction.
• Splinting – involves stabilizing the teeth by supporting them to neighboring teeth. It helps the gums and ligaments beneath the tooth heal around the tooth.
• Nightguards – If you have bruxism, a nightguard can help prevent more teeth damage and give the supporting tissues time to heal.
• Scaling and root planing involves removing tartar, plaque, and bacteria underneath the gums and teeth.
• Flap surgery – helps restore receding gums and stabilize your teeth.
• Bone Grafting – If tooth mobility is caused by jawbone deterioration, your dentist can recommend bone grafting to repair and rebuild the jawbone.

How to prevent loose teeth

Fortunately, you can prevent loose teeth by maintaining excellent oral hygiene and habits. To care for your teeth, use these strong teeth tips:

• Brush thoroughly twice daily.
• Floss once daily.
• Schedule regular oral checkups and cleanings.
• Refrain from tobacco use.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Wear a nightguard for bruxism.
• Wear a sports guard during physical activities.
• Take healthy foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
• Seek treatment for underlying oral issues.

Schedule an Appointment Today

For more information about dental health and care tips, contact Neeshat S Khan, DDS, to schedule an appointment today.