Loose Tooth? Not So Exciting as an Adult

A wiggly tooth can be a fun milestone when you’re a kid. But as an adult, discovering a loose tooth can be alarming. Unlike baby teeth, permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. So, what causes an adult tooth to become loose, and what should you do about it? At Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re here to help you understand the causes of adult tooth mobility and the steps you can take to protect your smile.

Common Causes of Loose Permanent Teeth

Loose teeth in adults can stem from various underlying issues. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Gum Disease Also known as periodontal disease, this condition affects nearly 47% of adults over age 30, according to the CDC. As bacteria attack the gums and supporting bone, teeth can become loose.
• Trauma or Injury A blow to the mouth from a fall, accident, or sports injury can damage the ligaments that hold a tooth in place.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) Chronic grinding or clenching exerts excessive force on teeth, potentially causing them to loosen over time.
• Osteoporosis This systemic condition weakens bones throughout the body, including the jawbone, which supports your teeth.
• Poor Oral Hygiene Neglecting regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can allow plaque and tartar to build up, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth mobility.

What to Do If You Have an Unstable Tooth

If you notice a loose tooth, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Here’s what you can do:

1. Avoid Wiggling It Resist the urge to test its looseness with your tongue or fingers.
2. Maintain Oral Hygiene Gently brush and floss to prevent further irritation.
3. Soft Diet Stick to softer foods to avoid additional stress on the tooth.
4. Contact Your Dentist Call Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry as soon as possible for an evaluation.

How We Can Help at Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Our experienced dental team will assess the cause of your loose tooth and recommend the most effective treatment. Depending on the underlying issue, we might suggest:

• Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) For gum disease-related tooth mobility, we clean below the gumline to remove infection and allow gums to heal.
• Splinting We can stabilize a loose tooth by bonding it to adjacent teeth for extra support.
• Night Guards If bruxism is the culprit, a custom night guard can protect your teeth while you sleep.
• Bone Grafting If bone loss has occurred, bone grafts can rebuild the foundation that supports your teeth.
• Tooth Replacement In cases where a tooth can’t be saved, we offer natural-looking options like dental implants.

Protect Your Smile with Preventive Care

Prevention is always the best medicine when it comes to your oral health. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial to catching issues early. Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides comprehensive preventive care, helping patients in Dunwoody and the surrounding areas maintain strong, healthy smiles.

Don’t Let a Loose Tooth Shake Your Smile

If you’ve noticed a loose tooth or have concerns about your oral health, don’t wait. Contact Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today. Our team is dedicated to helping you preserve your natural teeth whenever possible and providing exceptional care when intervention is needed. Let us help you smile confidently, knowing your teeth are strong and healthy.