Loose Teeth & Bite Problems
It is an exciting celebration for children to lose their first tooth. Tooth loss as an adult, however, can be extremely concerning. Biting and chewing on a loose tooth is uncomfortable, difficult, and problematic. Loose teeth are also at risk of falling out or requiring extraction if they cannot be repaired. In order to preserve the tooth, it is critical to act quickly.
Causes
Perhaps the most common cause of tooth loss is from gum disease. A bacterial infection can impact the bone tissue and gums which support the teeth. The collection of bacterial plaque on the teeth is commonly the result of poor oral hygiene. While plaque and tartar forms, periodontal disease results in the gum tissue slowly detaching from the teeth and also causes damage to the supporting jawbone. While the disease progresses and there is impact to the bone, teeth slowly start to become loose. As the teeth become loose, they begin to breakdown from chewing forces. Severe cases of periodontal disease can result in the teeth falling out.
Chronic clenching and grinding of the teeth is another common cause of loose teeth. These constant forces of biting stretch the periodontal ligaments. These ligaments connect the teeth to the supporting bone. When they are stretched, the teeth become loose. Patients who grind their teeth or clench the jaw, often experience bone loss, damage to the teeth, significant pain, and discomfort.
Treatment
Properly treating loose teeth will directly depend on what is causing the issue in the first place. Teeth which are loose due to gum disease often require a deep cleaning for treatment. Deep cleaning of the teeth is completed by a dental professional. The procedure includes removing plaque, tartar, and calculus, in addition to any infection. The dental professional will also clean the tooth’s surface below the gum line. The treatment will also include educating the patient on good oral hygiene practices. The deep cleaning combined with improved oral hygiene significantly reduces inflammation. This gives the gums an opportunity to heal and treats the loose teeth.
When a patient has an uneven bite, dentists will treat the issue by evening out the biting forces. Dentists can adjust how the upper and lower teeth make contact with one another to ensure an even bite. With an even bite, there is a reduction and redirection of force. A more balanced bite is sometimes accomplished through simply repairing worn teeth and broken fillings.
A temporary or permanent splint can aid in reducing the pressure from biting. The splint aids in evenly distributing biting forces and giving the loose tooth an opportunity to heal. Splints are typically a small metal bracket that is bonded to the top or back side of the teeth.
Some patients grind their teeth or clench their jaw at night. These patients often benefit from the use of a night guard. The guard works by protecting the teeth from the extreme and damaging biting forces. Night guards also aid in preventing further tooth damage and can help relieve jaw pain.
Loose teeth can often be treated and repaired through prompt and effective treatment of the issue. If you experience loose teeth, it is important to follow up with your dentist immediately to ensure the best possible outcome. Ignoring loose teeth can result in serious consequences such as the tooth falling out completely.