By As a kid, a loose tooth is exciting; it signifies a visit from the tooth fairy is due. Nonetheless, looseness can be worrying after the milk teeth have fallen off. Permanent teeth aren’t supposed to fall out, much as the name suggests. So, do you know how to tighten a loose tooth at home, or at least what is causing the problem? Understanding the underlying reason behind your loose teeth lays a solid foundation as you strive to tighten them and prevent them from falling out. Here is a look at the common loose tooth causes to get you started.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a common cause that easily goes unnoticed, especially since it happens when sleeping and without realizing it. It entails frequent teeth grinding or clenching, which is common when stressed. The jaws involuntarily grind the teeth against each other, creating pressure that gradually damages the enamel and crown, causing loose teeth. Such pressure could also damage supportive dental tissue, further loosening the teeth. Common bruxism symptoms include headaches, jaw, and facial pain when you sleep.
The simplest way to battle bruxism is stress management. When stressed, you are more likely to grind your teeth in your sleep without realizing it. This could be the primary reason you are experiencing tooth loosening.
Trauma
Trauma from auto accidents, contact sports injuries, and slip and fall, among other concerns, can cause a significant impact on the mouth or face. This can loosen periodontal ligaments, dislodging teeth from bone sockets. The pressure can even cause significant damage to the ligaments and tissues to the point that they end up dead. This removes their support for the teeth, worsening the looseness.
After an incidence, the injuries could recover and heal independently, but visiting your dentist is essential. The dentist can establish the extent of the damage and take relevant measures. For instance, you might have incurred damage to the root and surrounding gums, requiring treatment to facilitate effective recovery.
Trauma is a common cause of loose, even lost teeth. While concerns like auto accidents could be out of your control, wearing protective gear when working in demanding areas is one way to lower risks. For older adults, proofing your home and using mobility aid gadgets can reduce trip and fall accidents, lowering the chances of accidents and a loose tooth.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes are a top highlight for loose teeth in females. This is more so during pregnancy and menopause. When pregnant, you can get pregnancy gingivitis. The swollen and sore gums are normal. If you bleed when you brush or floss or experience inflammation, consulting your dentist is recommended. This is since some pregnancy gingivitis instances can lead to periodontitis.
When pregnant, you have higher progesterone and estrogen levels, which can lead to loosening the bones and ligaments in the jaw. The changes are temporary and should lapse shortly after birth. During menopause, the opposite happens. You have lesser estrogen production, which can cause bone density loss. The jawbone weakens due to density loss, increasing the risk of loose teeth.
So, how can you tighten a loose tooth at home resulting from hormonal changes? Pregnancy gingivitis subsides shortly after birth. Loosening due to menopause can be more worrisome. Simple home remedies like good oral hygiene and nutrition, including supplements, can help. You can also consult your doctor to learn more about effective menopause hacks beyond the loose tooth. This makes it easier to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects your bones, making them full of holes and porous. This means they can easily break, even under the least pressure. The condition can also be the cause of loose teeth. Your jawbone could be affected, which holds your teeth in place through the tooth socket. When the bone density takes a blow, the jaws’ effectiveness in supporting the teeth is affected. This reduces the support, loosening the teeth and, worst cases, causes them to fall out.
When consulting your dentist about loose teeth due to osteoporosis, remember to inform them of any active medication. For instance, they might start dental treatments that could cause serious concerns like osteonecrosis. This is as the treatment interacts with active antiresorptive medication. Antiresorptive medication helps slow down bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Nonetheless, they can work to your disadvantage if you fail to inform your dentist.
Medication or medical conditions
Did you know that some medications make it difficult for your body to absorb certain nutrients? Anti-seizure medications, for instance, affect your body’s ability to absorb calcium. Calcium is an essential nutrient needed for strong teeth and bones. This means that taking such medications for an extended period weakens and loosens your teeth.
Other medications like pain relievers, contraceptives, and antidepressants have side effects, including dry mouth. Such side effects increase tooth decay risks and other oral health concerns, translating to higher chances of loose teeth. Don’t stop taking the medication, though, as you count it among the ways how to tighten a loose tooth at home. Consult your doctor first since some medications are critical for your overall health and wellbeing.
Underlying medical conditions also impact your oral health. Some conditions increase the chances of gum disease, a significant cause of loose teeth. The conditions include diabetes, HIV, cancer, osteoporosis, and arthritis, to name a few.
Gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a bacterial infection among the most significant oral health problems. The bacteria wear away at your soft tissue, the bone surrounding teeth, and the gums. As the gum disease takes root, it causes the gums to rescind, loosening your teeth. Besides loose teeth, periodontitis also comes with a handful of unpleasant symptoms. This includes sensitive, red, swollen, bleeding, and painful gums, changes in your bite, and bad breath.
Following the causes, you can establish how to tighten a loose tooth at home. In some cases, you might also need professional treatment to address the root cause, fast-tracking your effort to tighten the tooth.
