It is not uncommon for children to experience loose teeth that eventually fall out as part of their natural dental development. However, when it comes to adults, a loose tooth can definitely raise some concerns. So, why is your tooth loose but still attached and barely hanging on? Let’s delve into the possible reasons behind this.
5 Reasons Why Is Your Tooth Loosely Attached?
1. Trauma/Accident
It is common for teeth to become loosely attached for some time after the impact and fall right off afterward.
Treatment
It is up to your dentist to decide whether or not there is a need to pluck your tooth out or give oral painkillers to provide relief. However, even if your dentist decides to get rid of it, do not worry about your smile; dental implants are there to fix it.
2. Gum Disease
A good oral hygiene regime is crucial for maintaining dental health. If you skip the ritual, plaque will form, which will further harden into tartar, making the tooth loosely attached.
Unfortunately, you can only brush away plaque and not tartar from your teeth. For that, you will need a helping hand from your dentist.
Continuous plaque accumulation results in gingivitis that progresses into periodontal disease, a condition that affects the gum tissue. Ultimately, it makes the tooth become loose while being partially attached.
Treatment
The only way to get rid of tartar from teeth is via professional deep dental cleaning every 6 months. If you let the hanging tooth be, issues like periodontal disease are inevitable.
3. Bruxism/Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding or bruxism is when you unconsciously grind your teeth long enough for the tooth to lose its firm position yet stay attached to the gum.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for bruxism available; however, a mouthguard is a best-fit option for teeth protection.
4. Hormonal Changes
The concept of women undergoing hormonal changes all their lives is not a new concept, especially during menopause or pregnancy. This affects all aspects of their health, including dental. Estrogen and progesterone are two dominant markers that go high during gestation, which makes the jaw bone lose its density and strength.
Treatment
The good news is that changes that happen during pregnancy are reversible; therefore, there is no need to ball your eyes out for that. As far as menopause is concerned, talk to your doctor about estrogen replacement therapy.
5. Receding Gums
When the gums recede from their line, your tooth exposes its roots; therefore, they become loose and hang partly attached.
Treatment
The best course of action for this problem is a soft tissue graft. Your dentist will fill the receding region during this process. Most often, tissue from the roof of the mouth is extracted and used.
Closing Note
Get in touch with teeth experts from Sair Dental at 8410 Fondren Road, Houston, TX 77074 (832) 924-2666 and 10345 Club Creek Dr, Houston, TX 77036 (281) 558-1199 locations for more information regarding this.