What can Cause Permanent Teeth to Loosen?
Written by Scripps West Dental
Children are often excited when they experience the loss of a tooth. Their baby teeth are intended to come out as their permanent, adult teeth come in. They know that this is a part of growing up and that a visit from the Tooth Fairy is in store. But as an adult, a loose tooth may be a sign of a much more extensive dental problem that requires the assistance of a quality dentist in Mira Mesa. Drs. James Tasto, Debbie Kim, Gary M. Sigafoos, Bita Farhoumand, and Marisa Zarchy of Scripps West Dental encourage patients experiencing a loose tooth to schedule an appointment with the team right away for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis of the issue at hand.
Why are my permanent teeth wiggly?
Your adult teeth should never be loose. This can be a sign of a problem that needs an immediate evaluation with a quality dentist. The team at Scripps West Dental also encourages patients to visit the dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and evaluation to monitor for signs of loose or problematic teeth.
What causes permanent teeth to loosen?
There are several conditions that may be responsible for the loosening of permanent adult teeth. Below are a few situations that a dentist may evaluate to determine the cause of the problem:
• Periodontal disease. One of the leading causes of tooth loss is periodontal disease, or “gum disease.” This condition can progress into periodontitis, which causes an infection that results in the loss of bone, gum tissue, and teeth. Caught early, many patients who are diagnosed with the earlier stages of periodontitis, called gingivitis, may be able to bring the smile back to health. However, the later the stage of the condition, the less likely it can be cured, controlled or managed. Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dental clinic regularly is the best way to keep this condition from developing and impacting the health of the smile.
• Pregnancy. Many women are unaware of the changes in their smiles during pregnancy. Pregnant women are more susceptible to dental health issues due to the significant fluctuations of hormones during these nine months. This impacts the bones and ligaments, or “periodontium,” which holds the teeth in place and can result in one or more teeth loosening.
• Dental injury/trauma. Any time a patient has had a blow to the mouth or face, they can cause damage to the mouth and teeth. A chipped may also become chipped or cracked which can impact the seating of the tooth in the jawbone. Whenever there has been an injury to the mouth, it is vital that patients contact their dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation to reduce the risk of problems from lack of treatment.
What causes permanent teeth not to develop?
Children who are waiting for their permanent teeth may find that after they have lost their baby teeth, their permanent teeth do not develop. This is a different problem and often associated with a lack of space for the teeth to come through the gum line. Situations such as this need to be evaluated by an experienced provider, during which x-rays may be taken to evaluate the reason behind the lack of permanent tooth eruption.
Schedule time to speak to a dentist in Mira Mesa
San Diego, CA area patients who are experiencing loosening of the teeth, or want to work with a dentist to prevent them, are invited to call the team at Scripps West Dental. Drs. James Tasto, Debbie Kim, Gary M. Sigafoos, Bita Farhoumand, and Marisa Zarchy are available to assist new and returning patients. Call (858) 695-1776 to request an appointment at our facility, located in Suite D at 9420 Mira Mesa Boulevard.
