Loose Tooth DuPont, WALoose teeth are normal for children, but it is a primary concern for adults. It occurs when one or multiple teeth don't have adequate support and detach from the gums and bones. Your teeth will move when brushing, flossing, chewing, and eating. If you have any loose teeth, ensure you visit us at Children's Dentistry of DuPont for proper dental review and treatment. We will perform tests to understand what is causing the problem and assist you in managing the underlying diseases. What Are the Causes of Loose Teeth?Loose baby teeth indicate that the permanent teeth are ready to grow. With time the baby teeth will fall out. However, for adults, a loose tooth is not a natural cause, and an underlying condition exists. You can notice the looseness of your teeth when flossing or brushing. Our dentists can also note such an issue during a dental exam. If you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly, food particles and debris will accumulate on your teeth and gums. The accumulation encourages the growth of bacteria which attacks your tissues and bones. If not correctly treated, gum disease will occur. Gum disease slowly progresses and damages the jawbone. Your teeth will not have healthy bone to anchor onto and become loose. Early signs that indicate you have gum disease are gum bleeding, red gums, or painful gums. Our dentists use a dental probe to check for signs of infection and inflammation in your gums. Tooth grinding is also another cause of loose teeth. Grinding will damage the teeth and make them dislodge from the gums. Treatment of Loose TeethLoose baby teeth don’t require any treatment, but an extraction gives room for permanent teeth to erupt. For adults, our dentist must identify the cause of the problem. If the cause is gum disease, our dentist will clean your teeth professionally to remove tartar and plaque buildup. We incorporate methods such as root planing and scaling to prevent the deterioration of the condition. Antibiotics help eliminate the infection. If you have severe bone loss, bone grafting is necessary to help regenerate the jawbone. Grafting involves taking bone fragments from other areas or using unique materials to repair your bone. Once you have strong bone, it will hold your teeth in position. Another treatment option is bite adjustment. It involves reshaping your bite surface by removing some surfaces of the tooth. The method helps to minimize pressure on your teeth and gives them time to heal. It is an excellent alternative if the cause of the loose teeth is grinding. If you clench your teeth at night, we can advise you to wear a mouthguard. The guard creates a protective barrier and prevents the lower and upper teeth from clenching. Good oral health helps to ensure your teeth are strong and in the correct position. You should also opt for regular dental visits from Children's Dentistry of DuPont and let us help you identify any signs of loose teeth. For custom dental treatments around many dental issues, please reach us at (253) 244-9778 for a consultation. |