Loose/Mobile Teeth

In adults, loose teeth may cause discomfort during common oral activities, such as chewing, eating, brushing, or flossing. Associated symptoms include:

• Red, tender, bleeding, and/or swollen gums
• Gum recession, i.e., when the gums wear or pull away, exposing the roots.
• Tooth discoloration

Eventually, a loose tooth may cause:

• Difficulties with biting and chewing
• Excess contact and pressure on the neighbouring teeth

The factors causing loose teeth in adults include:

• Periodontal (gum) disease: Gum inflammation and infection (periodontitis) causes degradation of the supporting ligaments, tissues, and bones that surround the teeth. Periodontitis is the most prominent cause of loose teeth (and tooth loss) among adults worldwide.
• Dental trauma: Sports injuries, falls, or vehicular accidents may result in one or more teeth becoming mobile.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Over time, constant habitual tooth clenching or grinding can cause tooth mobility.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy-induced surges in the progesterone and oestrogen levels may cause the tissues that hold the teeth in place to loosen (albeit temporarily), a condition termed pregnancy gingivitis. The symptoms usually resolve after childbirth.

A loose or mobile tooth can be easily noticed by patients when they feel it with their tongue or finger. It may also cause the bite to feel “different” from usual. 

During a dental visit, the dentist will:

• Examine the degree of mobility
• Assess the gums and supporting structures
• Identify underlying causes (gum disease, trauma, bruxism, etc.)

In general, routine dental examinations (often, once every 6 months) help detect mobility early. However, if patients are prone to developing cavities or gum disease, more frequent visits to the dentist are recommended. 

The severity and cause of mobile teeth determine the treatment method recommended by the dentist.

• Trauma-induced tooth mobility:
  • Bite adjustment: Minor enamel reshaping is performed on the loose and opposing tooth to alleviate the excess pressure from the bite; this helps promote the healing of the wobbly tooth.
  • Mouth guard: In patients with bruxism/clenching habits, this oral appliance shields the teeth from excessive damage and/or pressure.
  • Splinting: In cases where the loose tooth has not yet been pulled away from the gums, two neighbouring teeth are bonded together, so that the loose tooth has additional support and its movement is prevented during healing.
• Gum disease-induced tooth mobility: The following surgical treatments are recommended:
  • Tooth scaling and root planing: Deep cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria.
  • Osseous surgery (flap or pocket reduction surgery): A procedure involving the thorough cleaning of the roots of the teeth to clear the bacterial infection, removal of infected tissues, and, if necessary, reshaping the bones surrounding the teeth.
  • Dental bone and/or gum grafts: Restoring lost support around teeth.

In some cases, if the mobile tooth is non-salvageable, the dentist may recommend tooth removal, followed by the application of a dental bridge or implant as a replacement for the extracted tooth.

If patients develop loose teeth, they are advised to schedule an appointment with the dentist, who can begin treatment immediately to reduce the risk of further complications.

Although not all causes of loose teeth are preventable, many risks can be reduced. Some measures include: 

• Good oral hygiene
• Regular dental check-ups
• Wearing protective mouth guards during sports
• Addressing teeth grinding

For diagnosis and treatment of a loose/mobile tooth, consult a General Dentist or a Periodontist (for gum-related causes).