Worried about loose teeth and need help? Click here to make an online appointment at Elation Dental, 111 Bayswater Road, Croydon South Vic 3136!

A loose tooth in adulthood isn’t something to ignore. It can be a sign of an underlying dental problem that, if caught early, can often be treated successfully. So why do you have loose teeth, and what should you do next?

Loose teeth in adults are usually caused by one or more of the following:

Gum disease: chronic gum infection weakens the gum and bone that hold teeth in place.
Trauma or grinding: a sudden knock or ongoing bruxism (teeth grinding) can affect how stable a tooth is.
Bone loss: conditions such as osteoporosis, or ageing, can reduce jawbone density.
Bite problems or dental work: poorly aligned teeth or ill-fitting fillings can put extra stress on particular teeth.

First step: see a dentist at Elation Dental

If your tooth feels loose, don’t wait! Book an appointment at Elation Dental, 111 Bayswater Road, Croydon South Vic 3136 promptly. Early treatment increases the chance of saving the tooth. During your consultation, we may:

Take X-rays to assess bone support and any damage.
Grade the tooth’s mobility to see how loose it is.
Measure your gums (periodontal probing) to check for gum disease.

Treatment options

The right treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing): for early gum disease, a deep clean removes plaque and bacteria below the gum line so the gum can reattach.
Antibiotic therapy: antibiotics placed at the gums or antimicrobial mouth rinses may be prescribed to reduce infection and inflammation.
Splinting: a dental splint can be bonded to the neighbouring teeth to stabilise the loose tooth while it heals. This is especially effective when the looseness is caused by trauma.
Bite adjustment: for patients with grinding or a bite problem, smoothing high spots on the teeth or wearing a night guard can spread the biting forces more evenly and reduce damage.
Tooth extraction and replacement: if a tooth can’t be saved, it may need to be removed. Replacement options include dental implants, bridges or partial dentures.

Long-term prevention

Prevent teeth from loosening in the future by:

Brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
Seeing Elation Dental regularly for cleans and check-ups.
Managing chronic conditions (such as diabetes) that affect oral health.
Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth.

Got loose or missing teeth? Call Elation Dental on 9725 2029 for urgent attention!