Causes of Loose Teeth
Missing teeth can effect young and old patients alike. Missing teeth can negatively impact a patient’s confidence and self-esteem. It can be embarrassing for a patient to be impacted by the loss of a tooth. In addition to the impact missing teeth have on a patient’s appearance, they can also cause serious dental issues. The following are some of the most common causes for patients to experience loose teeth.
Gum Disease
One of the most common causes for loose teeth is untreated gum disease. Gingivitis is the term used for early gum disease. Symptoms associated with gingivitis includes inflamed gums which bleed. This early stage of gum disease does not result in pain, however, it can progress into periodontitis when it remains untreated. This form of gum disease is more serious and causes more severe gum irritation and inflammation. The gum tissue deteriorates over time and can result in loose teeth or even the loss of teeth in severe cases.
Health conditions such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, HIV, and osteoporosis can increase a patient’s risk for gum disease. In turn, this makes the patient more prone to experiencing loose teeth.
Medication
Various medications make it difficult for the body to effectively absorb calcium. The body relies on calcium to maintain healthy bones. This includes the jawbone. Some medications can also cause weakness of the teeth and jawbone. This results in loose teeth. Dry mouth is a side effect for some medications including some contraceptives, antidepressants, and pain relievers. Chronically dry mouths are at an increased risk for tooth decay as saliva aids in cleaning the teeth. Never modify or stop a medication without consulting the doctor.
Menopause
Women who are going through menopause, begin producing lower amounts of estrogen which results in reduced bone density. A jawbone which is weak, can result in loose teeth.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can be another cause for loose teeth. This health condition causes weak bones and over time, less dense bones. A common result of a weakened jaw bone is loose teeth. Patients with osteoporosis are an increased risk for having loose teeth.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women have higher levels of estrogen and progesterone and may result in the teeth becoming loose. These hormones, which allows the body to stretch, also allows the teeth to move. In most cases, loose teeth during pregnancy is temporary and resolves itself following the pregnancy without the loss of teeth.
Stress
Chronic stress which often includes grinding the teeth and clenching the jaw can also be the culprit for loose teeth. People often don’t even know that they grind their teeth at night until a dentist makes them away. Dentists often recommend a night guard for patients who grind their teeth at night. These guards aid in protecting the teeth.
Trauma
Trauma to the mouth or teeth often causes loose teeth. When the trauma is minor, it can take 1-2 days for the tooth to start feeling loose. Trauma which is more severe may make the teeth loose right away. When the teeth experience trauma, there is damage to the supportive ligaments which connect the teeth to the jaw bone.
There are many different causes and treatments for loose teeth. Patients with loose teeth should follow up with their dentist immediately. Prompt identification of the cause is critical in preventing long-term damage and the loss of the tooth.