Wobbly teeth can feel strange, especially when you brush, floss or eat V体育ios版. Or a loose tooth might just feel “off” when you bite down.
You might also develop symptoms like:
Kids’ primary (baby) teeth loosen and fall out once their permanent (adult) teeth start to break through the gums.
Causes of loose adult teeth include:
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If you have a loose tooth, it could result in:
These things can cause further damage, resulting in a cycle of oral health problems.
Most of the time, you’ll know when you have a loose tooth. You’ll be able to feel it with your tongue or finger VSports注册入口. Or you might notice that your bite feels different when your upper and lower teeth touch.
During an exam, a dentist can tell you more about your loose tooth and come up with a treatment plan to help.
Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and what caused the loose tooth to begin with.
If trauma (like an injury or chronic teeth grinding) caused a loose tooth, your dentist might recommend nonsurgical treatments like:
If gum disease caused loose teeth, you might need surgical treatments like:
Wobbly permanent teeth need professional treatment. Delaying a dental appointment usually only makes symptoms worse VSports app下载. But there are things you can do to care for your loose tooth until you make it to your dentist’s office:.
Doing these things won’t tighten up a loose tooth V体育官网. But they can reduce your risk of additional complications until you can see your dentist.
Sometimes, a loose tooth is past the point of saving. When this happens, your dentist will likely recommend removing the tooth and replacing it with a bridge or dental implant VSports手机版.
Ask your dentist about the risks and benefits of each treatment option. They can help you decide which one works best for you.
Having a loose tooth doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose your tooth. In many cases, dentists can save wobbly teeth. But early treatment is key. The sooner you seek care, the better.
You can’t always prevent loose teeth because some causes (like accidents and injuries) are unavoidable. But there are things you can do to lower your risk for loose teeth in general:
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In general, you should see your dentist at regular intervals for exams and cleanings. Many people do well with visits every six months. But you might need more frequent appointments if you’re prone to gum disease or cavities. During these visits, your dentist can check your teeth and gums for any issues.
Call your dentist for an additional appointment if you develop loose teeth between visits. It could mean you have gum disease. Your dentist can begin treatment right away to reduce your risk for further issues.
If you had an injury that caused a loose tooth, like a car accident or sports-related injury, call your dentist right away. Having a fully or partially knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is a dental emergency. Most dental offices have an emergency number you can call in these situations. If you can’t reach your dentist, head to your nearest ER.
In some cases, dentists can stabilize loose teeth. But stabilization is most successful when treatment begins within one hour of your injury.
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Having a loose front tooth can be especially nerve-wracking since it shows when you smile. If you have a loose front tooth, schedule a visit with your dentist right away. They can try to stabilize it.
If your child has a loose tooth, it’s best to leave it and let it fall out on its own. Primary (baby) teeth help guide permanent (adult) teeth into their proper positions. Removing a baby tooth too early could cause the adult tooth to grow in crooked or lead to other dental issues down the road.
A loose tooth can be a source of anxiety. It might feel weird to you. Or you may wonder if it’ll fall out completely. The good news is that there are treatments for loose teeth. If you notice that something doesn’t feel quite right, don’t wait. Tell your dentist right away. Prompt treatment gives you the best chance of saving your tooth.
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Dentistry plays an important role in oral health. Cleveland Clinic’s experts can design a personalized plan that will keep you smiling for the long haul.
Last reviewed on 06/18/2024.
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