A loose tooth is expected during childhood, but when it happens as an adult, it’s a serious dental concern. Adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime, so any looseness signals a problem that needs immediate attention. Whether the looseness is caused by trauma, gum disease, or biting something too hard, acting quickly can make the difference between saving and losing the tooth. Here’s what you should do if you notice an adult tooth becoming loose.
Stay Calm and Avoid Wiggling the Tooth
It may be tempting to test how loose the tooth is, but avoid touching it with your tongue or fingers. Wiggling it further can worsen the damage, disrupt surrounding tissues, and make the situation harder to treat. Try to keep the tooth as stable as possible until you can see your dentist.
Identify Possible Causes
A loose adult tooth typically happens for one of three reasons:
- Gum disease, which destroys the bone and tissues supporting the tooth.
- Injury or trauma, such as a blow to the mouth or accident.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding), which puts excessive pressure on the teeth and supporting structures.
While you may not always know the cause, any looseness is a red flag that something deeper may be going on.
Avoid Chewing on That Side
To prevent further movement or damage, avoid eating on the affected side of your mouth. Stick to soft foods until you see your dentist, and do not bite into anything hard or sticky. Chewing on a loose tooth puts unnecessary force on already weakened tissues.
Keep the Area Clean—But Gently
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, but be gentle around the loose tooth. Brush lightly and rinse with warm saltwater to reduce inflammation and help keep bacteria at bay. Avoid flossing around the tooth if it causes discomfort or movement.
See Your Dentist Immediately
A loose adult tooth is always an urgent situation. The sooner your dentist examines it, the more likely it can be saved. Depending on the cause, treatments may include:
- Deep cleaning to remove infection from gum disease.
- A dental splint to stabilize the tooth.
- Nightguard therapy if grinding caused the looseness.
- Surgical treatment to rebuild supporting tissues.
- Restorations if structural damage led to instability.
Early intervention can stop progression and help restore firmness.
Adult teeth don’t become loose without a reason. Acting quickly—protecting the tooth, keeping the area clean, and contacting your dentist—greatly increases the chances of saving it. With prompt care, many loose teeth can be stabilized and preserved for years to come.
About the Practice
Are you experiencing a dental emergency? Turn to our expert team at Parklane Family Dentistry to help you out in a pinch. We’ll get you in quickly and offer first-aid guidance over the phone in the meantime, and once you arrive, we’ll perform a detailed evaluation and take X-rays, followed by a treatment plan. Don’t hesitate – schedule an appointment with us online now or call our Frisco office at (469) 731-0391.