As children, we have “baby teeth” before we get our “adult teeth”. It is common at a young age to have “wiggly” teeth that fall out so that your adult teeth can take their place. But, why would an adult tooth be wiggly? Well, this could be a result of different reasons!
To begin, periodontal disease (gum disease) which involves the destruction of the structures supporting the teeth (gums, cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone) can cause teeth to be “wiggly” or mobile if not treated appropriately. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and If the disease progresses without treatment periodontitis will occur and this cannot be reversed. With cases of advanced periodontitis, it is possible for the teeth to become so mobile that they fall out completely, which is something that would be best avoided.
Symptoms of Gum Disease are as follows:
To prevent any “wiggly” teeth from the progression of gum disease, you should be practicing good oral habits at home and scheduling dental visits regularly. Regular dental cleanings are an essential key to assessing if you are cleaning your teeth at home adequately. Over time, plaque hardens as calculus and it sticks to the teeth. If not professionally taken off at the dentist, the calculus begins to build up more and more and can lead to tooth loss if severe enough. The dental hygienist works hard to remove these calculus deposits from the teeth in order to keep your mouth in tip-top shape! Once the calculus is removed, your teeth will feel smooth and shiny, a feeling you can look forward to each time you are in the dental chair. Our Garner, NC dentist friends at Moore Family Dentistry state that many have asked how to improve overall dental health. Never hesitate to ask us the best strategies.
On the other hand, there are other factors as to why your adult teeth may wiggle:
Trauma/Injury – If you have suffered a major injury to a tooth it could cause a tooth to become loose or have the potential to even fall out. If you have suffered a traumatic injury that has impacted a tooth, you should see a dentist immediately for an evaluation and do not hesitate!
Invisalign treatment – If you are actively under Invisalign treatment some teeth may feel “wiggly” or loose and this is just a result of the movement of the teeth. The pressure sensation can feel weird at times from the aligners. If you notice a tooth being extremely wiggly, notify the dentist immediately to have this checked out.
Grinding or clenching your teeth– Many people do not realize they “grind” or “clench” their teeth, which especially is common at night time. Over time, with prolonged grinding and clenching there is possible potential for loosening up the teeth. If you are having mysterious wiggly teeth, you should schedule an appointment with the dentist to evaluate if you may grind or clench.
Questions?
If you have been experiencing “wiggly” adult teeth, do not try to pull these out at home! At River Run Dental Spa, we recommend that you call our office immediately for an evaluation and we will get you into our office as soon as possible! On the other hand, if you are interested in preventing any “wiggly” teeth or may be interested in professional cleaning, we would love to have you in our office. You can contact us here for an appointment!