Emergency Dentist: I Have A Loose Tooth

gum infection

A loose baby tooth is normal, but a loose tooth in adults can be a matter of worry. A wide variety of reasons can lead to a loose tooth. It could be a result of an injury, grinding of teeth or a gum disease.

​Whatever be the cause, you will need to rush to the dentist immediately to get it treated. A loose tooth cannot be treated at home and dental treatments can ensure you don’t lose it. A loose tooth in adults can be an unfortunate situation and if you face one, certain measures can help prevent further damage until you get to your dentist. 

Let it be
You must resist that temptation to wiggle it around with your tongue. How much ever it irritates you, you must not pull it out. Doing so will lead to excessive bleeding and raise the risk of infection. You can also risk breaking the root or piece of a tooth in the socket. It is best left alone and treated by professionals. 

Eat Soft Foods
Biting on hard foods can break the tooth and increase the risk of cavities due to stuck up food particles. Avoid acidic and sugary foods and munch on soft foods until you see the dentist. 

Keep it Clean
A loose tooth needs to be cared for in order to avoid cavities. You may not be able to brush and floss normally, but you must use a good mouthwash to keep your mouth bacteria free. Use a brush with soft bristles to avoid accidentally breaking it off. 

Treatment for loose tooth in adults
Several dental treatments can remedy your loose tooth. The dentist will evaluate the cause and recommend the best treatment suited to your loose tooth. 

Splinting
For a very loose tooth, the dentist may splint or bond the tooth to other stable teeth. With the use of splinting materials the tooth is bonded to other stable teeth until it tightens. This distributes the biting force and helps in saving your loose tooth. 

Occlusal Guards
If grinding habits are evident, the dentist might recommend occlusal guards. They are mouth guards that protect your teeth if you grind them. The event of grinding usually occurs when you are asleep or are under stress. Therefore, you might be required to wear them only during occasions when clenching of teeth is likely to occur. 

Gum Cleaning
One of the major causes for a loose tooth is gum disease. Gums tend to recede because of infection between the tooth and gums, leading to a loosened tooth. In such cases, the dentist cleans the gum and removes the infection. As the gums heal, they tend to tighten the grip on the loose tooth. 

Having a loose tooth may worry you, but you need not panic. A loose tooth in adults does not mean that you will lose it. Unless untreatable, a dental treatments can save your tooth. A loose tooth can occur anytime, often suddenly. It is best to take up emergency dental service to avoid severe consequences.   

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