The teeth are made up of calcified tissue that surrounds the tooth pulp, made up of nerves, blood vessels and cells. Each tooth is surrounded by a periodontal ligaments and gums that help support the tooth, and each tooth is embedded into the jawbone. Although loose teeth in children indicates loss of deciduous teeth, a loose adult tooth is a serious issue that can lead to permanent tooth loss and may indicate the presence of a serious underlying disorder. A number of factors can lead to tooth loss in adults.
Gingivitis
One leading cause of loose teeth is gingivitis, a disease that affects the gingiva, or gums. Gingivitis is characterized by an inflammation of the gum tissue, which can eventually lead to gum recession. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that gingivitis is caused by prolonged exposure to plaque as a result of poor oral hygiene. Bacterial and their bi-products within the plaque lead to inflammation, which drives the progression of gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can destroy the gum tissue, along with the ligaments surrounding the teeth and the bone that supports the teeth. Since the supporting structure for each tooth is destroyed, people with severe gingivitis develop loose teeth. Maintaining a proper oral hygiene regimen that includes brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent the development of gingivitis.
Bruxism
Bruxism, a condition involving jaw clenching and tooth grinding, can sometimes lead to loose teeth. Patients with bruxism may clench their jaws throughout the day, putting strain on the teeth, or grind their teeth when they are asleep at night. Wayne State University indicates that the force applied to the teeth during grinding can be up to 10 times the force of chewing. Bruxism can cause loose teeth, as the force from grinding can lead to tooth or jaw injury, damaging the supporting structure for the tooth. Patients who grind their teeth may also suffer from headaches, tight jaw muscles and visible tooth wear. Damage to the teeth and jaw can be prevented by wearing a tooth guard at night.
Injury
Injury to the mouth can also cause loose teeth and even tooth loss. Injury can lead to tooth or bone fracture, which destroys the support for the tooth, leading to a loose-feeling tooth. If a tooth has been knocked loose, the dentist will take X-rays to check for tooth or jaw fracture and to view the extent of damage. SimplyTeeth.com reports that if neighboring teeth are intact and secure, the dentist may place a split on the loose tooth to keep it secure and allow the bone to re-grow around the tooth. If the tooth has been fractured by the injury, the dentist may perform a root canal to prevent infection and then treat the loose tooth.
