Loose Teeth

Your teeth can become loose for many reasons, but the most common is due to gum disease.

Gum disease (gingivitis) is common and can affect the roots of your teeth which are lodged into your bone via their roots. Signs of early gum disease include swelling, soreness, bad breath, infected gums, and bleeding when you brush and floss. It can be reversed, but if gingivitis isn’t treated, the bone in your jaw may become damaged, with small spaces opening up between your gums and teeth. Your teeth can become loose and fall out.

See below for more information

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What you can do.

Since gum disease is caused by plaque build up, it is vital to carefully but gently remove build-up via regular brushing and flossing.

See your dentist regularly too, for a professional deep clean to remove hardened plaque (tartar), which you can’t do at home

Even if you’re not due for a visit, come and see your dentist if your gums are painful or if your gums bleed when you brush and floss or if you’re concerned.

Your dentist may suggest an x-ray to determine the health and condition of your jawbone and teeth and treatment to help prevent more loose teeth.

If gum disease is severe (periodontitis), you’ll need further treatment perhaps by a specialist in gum problems. And, if you’re at increased risk of developing gum problems (if you’re a smoker or have diabetes, for example), you may be advised to visit your dentist more often to closely monitor your teeth and gums.

Other causes of loose teeth.

Pregnancy

Surging levels of pregnancy hormones affect the ligaments and bone around teeth and can cause teeth to loosen in the gums. Thankfully, though, this is likely to be temporary (unless there is underlying gum disease which will need to be treated). It’s vital to get any loose teeth check out by your dentist.

Osteoporosis

This disease is characterised by thin, porous bones and it can affect your jawbone, too. Teeth can become loose if the bones around the teeth lose their density. Both men and women can be affected by osteoporosis, but according to the US National Institute of Health, women affected by osteoporosis are three times more likely to have tooth loss compared with unaffected women.

Come in to see your dentist and talk about ways to protect your teeth. If you are affected by osteoporosis, your GP will be speaking with you about ongoing medication for the condition.

Tooth trauma

Anything that knocks the teeth – such as regular tooth grinding, clenching, and teeth that don’t align properly – can also cause your teeth to become loose. Plus, any trauma to your mouth from sports, a fall or an accident can damage the tooth itself as well as the ligaments and bone around the tooth all causing the tooth to potentially become loose. If you’re involved in an accident or receive a blow to your teeth, contact your dentist immediately. For tooth grinding and alignment problems, your dentist can provide useful techniques and effective treatments to help you retain your teeth.