Don’t Let a Loose Tooth Get You Down: Try These Home Solutions

Gum Disease

One of the most common dental issues we deal with is periodontitis (gum disease). This condition is an infection and inflammation of the gums. Poor oral hygiene and neglect of your dental health is the leading cause of periodontal disease occurs. 

This goes far beyond a simple rinse. When we do not brush our teeth properly, plaque develops as well as bad breath. The bacteria in plaque causes it to harden and stick to teeth persistently. This hardened plaque (tartar) forces gums to pull away from the tooth.

With the gums receding from the tooth, there is no longer enough support to hold it steadily in place.

Other than tartar, bone loss, and gum recession, you may also experience tender, swollen, or red gums. If gum disease persists, you may even notice that your teeth fit together differently. The earlier you visit a periodontist’s office to address this, the better the chances of saving it.

Injury

Injury is the most obvious reason for a loose adult tooth. Anything from a sports injury to a car accident can cause damage to your teeth and the surrounding tissue. We include teeth clenching and grinding in this category since they are forms of long-term injury.

Early detection is key, and in such cases, we offer dental emergency services as well. The sooner we assess the situation, the quicker we can find the best solution for you.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones where the otherwise solid bone mass becomes porous. This results in easily broken bones with even the slightest impact. And although we associate the condition with older folks, osteoporosis can affect a wide range of us.

Generally speaking, though, it tends to affect women over the age of 50.

The disease tends to affect the spine, hips, and wrists but can also cause deterioration of the bones in the jaw. Fortunately, osteoporosis patients can receive treatment with special drugs. Though rare, some of these prescribed drugs may pose a greater risk of gum disease.

If you are suffering from osteoporosis, let us know of any medication you are taking when you visit our office with a loose tooth.

Pregnancy

One of the happiest occurrences in your life can coincidentally cause you to experience loose teeth.

The elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can affect the tissue in your mouth enough to cause a loose tooth. The raised levels of these hormones can cause changes in the bones and ligaments that support your teeth. These bones and tissues are collectively called the periodontium and are responsible for keeping your teeth securely in place.

Luckily, these changes to the periodontium resolve themselves after the woman has given birth. Just in case, though, we should have a look to rule out any other causes which may be responsible for the loose tooth.

1. Avoid eating hard foods and brushing your teeth vigorously, as this can worsen the problem.
2. Gargle with a mixture of warm water and salt to reduce inflammation.
3. Use an interdental brush to clean between teeth and remove plaque.
4. Try stabilization splinting if you need permanent tooth replacement. This is a technique used by dentists to save loose teeth from extraction.
5. Apply clove oil topically on the affected area for pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
6. Rub vitamin E oil onto your gums for its healing properties.
7. Rinse your mouth with a mild antiseptic solution made from hydrogen peroxide and clean water to reduce bacterial growth in the mouth.

At this point, I need to mention that rinses and other home remedies cannot restore a situation that has existed for too long.

Dental Splinting

A loose adult tooth may be saved by applying splinting techniques, which involve sticking the loose teeth to the adjacent teeth with special resin and fiber materials. 

Scaling and Root Planing

A deep cleaning by dental scaling and root planing can treat and even reverse periodontal disease.

Medication or Mouth Rinses

The purpose of these is to help infected gums heal by fighting the bacteria that has damaged them.

Flap Surgery

First, a dental professional make incisions in your gums and pulls back the gum tissue. After that, a deep cleaning is performed (dental scaling and root planning), and then the gum tissue will be reattached.

Soft Tissue Grafts

Soft tissue grafts are useful in stopping further damage from gum disease.

Bone Grafts

Bone grafts work by helping to rebuild any bone that has been lost to gum disease.

On top of the treatments I offer my patients, I also stress the importance of preventative measures for your oral health. You don’t have to wait until you’re experiencing a loose tooth to apply these best practices.