(ThyBlackMan.com) As a child, getting a loose tooth was unbelievably exciting as we’d wiggle and wobble them until they came out so we could leave them for the tooth fairy. However, getting a wobbly tooth as an adult is a whole different ball game and is definitely not exciting. In many cases, it can ring alarm bells and could indicate one of a number of underlying oral health issues.
If you do find that you’ve got a loose tooth, it’s highly recommended to seek the advice of a 24 hour dentist in Los Angeles or your local town, so they can identify the problem and offer the best possible treatment.
Potential Causes of Loose Teeth
Loose teeth can be caused by a range of different oral health issues, including:
Periodontal Disease
This is one of the most common causes of loose teeth and affects the gums, bone and ligaments of your teeth. Periodontal disease is caused by tartar that builds up as a result of poor dental hygiene, allowing bacterial plaque to harden. As this continues to increase, it can cause inflamed gums that bleed easily and they may start to pull away from the tooth. Periodontal pockets can also start to form, providing even more space for bacteria to enter, leading to further loss of connective tissue and bone structure that help to keep your teeth secured in place.
This disease is easily avoided with regular dental care, brushing and flossing your teeth and seeking advice if you are concerned about your oral health. There are also a number of advanced treatments available if you are suffering from periodontal disease.
Trauma to the Teeth
If extreme forces are applied to your teeth, this can affect the connective tissues and ligaments that help to keep your teeth in place. Traumas to the mouth, e.g. through an accident, or regular grinding of your teeth at night are some of the causes of this type of tooth loosening. If you do suffer an injury to your mouth, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Osteoporosis
This condition affects bone density and is found in both men and women. When it affects the bones in the mouth, it can cause teeth to become loose with women suffering from osteoporosis being three times more likely to suffer from loose teeth than those who don’t have the disease (according to the National Institute of Health).
Pregnancy Hormones
Tooth mobility can also be affected by the high level of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) experienced during pregnancy. This can cause bone and ligaments in the mouth to loosen, creating loose teeth, but this is often for a temporary period and shouldn’t result in any tooth loss, unless accompanied by another problem, such as those listed above. However, if you do notice any loose teeth during your pregnancy, it’s best to speak to your dentist for their advice, just to be sure.
Even though the signs of a wobbly tooth aren’t good, seeking expert medical advice from a dentist will help to prevent any further problems and could save your teeth.
Denise Evans has worked in a busy dental clinic for many years and enjoys the work, talking to people and helping them to relax as much as possible. At home she is a keen writer and often turns to dental topics when coming up with ideas on what to write about next.
Staff Writer; Gary Wood
