Many may remember the strange ploys they used as children to pull out their loose teeth. From benign activities like biting into fruit to Rube-Goldberg-style doorknob and string approaches, it was the best way to get paid by the tooth fairy. However, as adults, loose teeth are not amusing or charming. They are considered a dental emergency.
For further reading, continue on to learn how you may end up with a loose tooth and what you should do about it.
Why Is a Loose Adult Tooth a Dental Emergency?
When you’re a child, your primary “baby” teeth emerge around six months of age and are fully developed by the time you’re three years old. These teeth are placeholders that condition the gums and bone for secondary adult teeth.
Baby teeth are meant to disintegrate at the root and fall out, but adult teeth are supposed to last for the rest of your life. These teeth have long, sturdy roots supported by a membrane called the periodontal joint.
If your adult teeth are loose, it’s a sign of some underlying and serious health conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay, or poorly managed diabetes.
There are other reasons a tooth could become dislodged such as a physical altercation, a sports accident, or a vehicle incident. In all cases, your teeth should be addressed as soon as possible. A dislodged tooth has around 30 minutes to be replanted before the likelihood of successful reattachment significantly drops.
What Should I Do if My Tooth Is Loose?
The first step is to schedule an emergency dental appointment with your dentist. No matter what the cause of your loose tooth is, it’s bound to be serious. Below are next steps to consider:
- Avoid Using the Tooth – Until you can see a dentist, be gentle with the affected tooth. Avoid biting into hard foods or using it for chewing.
- Practice Careful Oral Hygiene – Continue your regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, but don’t touch the loose tooth with either one.
- Follow Your Dentist’s Advice – After an examination, your dentist will recommend appropriate treatment, which may include stabilizing the tooth with a splint, addressing gum disease, or performing necessary dental procedures.
While loose teeth in adulthood may evoke childhood memories, they represent a significant dental concern. Timely attention and professional care are crucial to address this issue.
The best practice is to see your dentist every six months for an examination and cleaning. This kind of preventive care goes a long way in discovering the causes of tooth loss and preserves the stability of your teeth for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Karen Littlefield Neil has been practicing dentistry for over three decades. She prides herself on the relationships she builds with her patients, making them feel like one of the family. Dr. Niel received her dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and has since become the President-Elect of the Fort Worth District Dental Society. To schedule an emergency appointment at Karen Neil DDS – Fort Worth Dentistry, call (817) 402-8275 or visit the website for more information.