Remember when you were a kid, and a loose tooth was exciting? Unfortunately, once you’ve gotten your permanent teeth, it doesn’t have quite the same appeal. So, what should you do if one begins to feel wiggly as an adult? Here are some important next steps.
Step One: Call Your Dentist
While there are many reasons you may be experiencing a loose adult tooth, it is important to be seen by your emergency dentist as soon as possible. Please call the office directly for faster service, explain the situation, and follow their instructions.
Step Two: Use Caution
While you wait to be seen by your dentist, it’s very important to take care of your loose tooth by following these care instructions:
- Do not wiggle or play with your loose tooth.
- Don’t eat anything chewy or crunchy.
- To keep your tooth clean, brush and floss around it, but do not brush the tooth itself.
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
Possible Causes of Loose Permanent Teeth
While your dentist can best diagnose your exact issue, here are a few reasons why permanent teeth could come loose:
- Orthodontic treatment (this is normal, temporary, and should not require any intervention).
- Gum disease.
- Accidental injury.
- Medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, HIV, or cancer.
- Pregnancy or menopause (usually temporary).
- Stress.
Remember, although you may not know what is causing your tooth to loosen, it’s imperative that you see your emergency dentist right away to prevent it from completely falling out. The good news is that just because it is loose doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to fall, but failure to treat it could mean it might, so be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible for help!
About Our Practice
When your adult tooth is loose, every moment matters. That’s why at Advanced Dental Concepts, Dr. Hayes and Dr. Khan are proud to offer same-day appointments. Nervous about being treated? We’re also happy to offer sedation dentistry to help keep our patients feeling calm and comfortable throughout their entire treatment. Don’t put your smile at risk. If you have a loose permanent tooth, please call us directly as soon as possible at 219-763-6878.