{"id":862,"date":"2016-02-07T17:03:31","date_gmt":"2016-02-07T17:03:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/loose-tooth-heres-what-to-do\/"},"modified":"2023-07-20T11:37:02","modified_gmt":"2023-07-20T11:37:02","slug":"loose-tooth-heres-what-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/dental-blog\/loose-tooth-heres-what-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Loose Tooth? Here’s What to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re a child, it\u2019s cute. In fact, there\u2019s probably an awkward family photo of you when you were six years old, proudly pushing a loose front tooth with your index finger. Losing baby teeth meant a treat or money from the \u201cTooth Fairy.\u201d In short, loose baby teeth = charming. Loose permanent teeth? Not so much.<\/p>\n

Why Do Adults Have Loose Teeth?<\/h2>\n

There are a wide variety of reasons. It could result from an injury or accident,\u00a0gum disease<\/a>\u00a0or even from grinding teeth during sleep. Don\u2019t worry. Your dentist will work with you to help you keep your tooth and treat any underlying problems that may be contributing to its wobbly state.<\/p>\n

How To Treat A Loose Tooth<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re in the unfortunate situation of being an adult with a loose tooth (and no chance of financial compensation from the \u201cTooth Fairy\u201d) here\u2019s what to do:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Get to your dentist ASAP.<\/strong>
    \nThis should be an obvious answer,\u00a0but many may not go to the dentist because they are afraid that a loose tooth indicates the need for extensive dental work, which is not always the case.<\/strong>\u00a0Taking care of any problems now will help you in the long run. It\u2019s important to realize that your oral health can affect the well-being of every system in your body, and your dentist knows that. Allow your dentist to talk you through any treatment plans or procedures.If nervousness is keeping you from seeing the dentist, don\u2019t let it! Don\u2019t be afraid to discuss your uneasiness with your health care team. Most dentists practice \u201cgentle dentistry,\u201d and offer sedation or other tools to help you relax. If you can\u2019t get in to see your dentist immediately, ask for his or her specific instructions on how to care for the tooth until you can get an appointment.<\/li>\n
  2. Leave it alone!<\/strong>
    \nDon\u2019t pull or pick at the tooth, and resist the temptation to wiggle it around with your tongue or finger. If you\u2019ve been informed that the tooth will need to be removed anyway, do not make any attempt to pull it yourself. Doing so increases the risk of infection and excessive bleeding\u2014not to mention the risk of a root or piece of the     tooth breaking<\/a> off in the socket. Leave this task to the professionals.<\/li>\n
  3. Eat soft foods.<\/strong>
    \nAvoid biting into hard foods such as apples, or eating crunchy food such as popcorn, which tends to get stuck in between teeth. Avoid sticky foods.<\/li>\n
  4. Keep it clean.<\/strong>
    \nMake every attempt to keep the tooth clean, but realize that you will not be able to brush or floss it normally. Rinsing the mouth gently will help clear your mouth of food particles.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Treatment for a Loose Tooth<\/h2>\n

    Your dentist has several options for treating a loose tooth. Of course, treatment depends upon the cause of your loose tooth. Treatments include:<\/p>\n