Loose, wiggly teeth were only good news when we were children, where we would impatiently await the tooth fairy and new teeth. As adults however, loose teeth may be one of the most frightening experiences. Mobile teeth are typically a sign of dental problem and require immediate attention. There are a number of reasons that can cause your teeth to come loose.
Impactful Force
The connective tissue and gum ligament that firmly support your teeth in their sockets can become strained if extreme forces are applied on the teeth. When these gum ligaments become strained, you may experience loose teeth. Another reason why your teeth may come lose is teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which prevent your teeth from properly aligning. Any impact to your mouth from an accident or a fall can greatly damage the bone and ligament surrounding the tooth. Think of any injury to your mouth area as a dental emergency, and contact your dentist right away.
Pregnancy Hormones
High levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can result in the bone and ligaments around your teeth to become loose, which can make them mobile. Fortunately, this situation is temporary and usually does not result in tooth loss if there are no other oral complications, such as gum disease. Don’t take a chance and get in touch with your dentist at the first sign of a loose tooth.
Osteoporosis
Both women and men can become a victim to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the weakening of bones and teeth. When the bone density around the teeth decreases, teeth can become loose.
Tooth mobility is never a good sign, and instead of waiting for the problem to fix itself, see a dentist immediately who will be able to determine the cause and intensity of the problem, and present an appropriate treatment plan.