A loose tooth is a tooth that has lost stability within the jawbone and gum tissue. While common in children as baby teeth make way for permanent ones, a loose adult tooth indicates an underlying issue. A loose tooth can become infected, which is a concern for overall oral health.
Why Teeth Become Loose
For children, a loose tooth is a natural part of development, as permanent teeth push against the roots of baby teeth, causing them to dissolve and fall out. However, a loose permanent tooth in an adult indicates a problem, as these teeth are meant to be stable for a lifetime.
One common reason for adult teeth to loosen is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This condition involves inflammation and infection of the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Trauma, such as an injury, can also loosen a tooth by damaging its supporting ligaments. Teeth grinding or clenching can exert excessive force, leading to mobility. Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, can temporarily affect the ligaments supporting teeth. Underlying medical conditions like osteoporosis can weaken jawbone density, contributing to tooth looseness.
How a Loose Tooth Can Get Infected
The space around a loose tooth can trap food particles and plaque, allowing bacteria to accumulate and inflame the gums. This enables bacteria to penetrate deeper into the tooth’s supporting structures. When gum tissue is compromised, bacteria can access the tooth’s root and anchoring bone.
This can result in a dental abscess, a localized collection of pus. The infection can spread from the tooth’s inner pulp to the root tip and into the surrounding bone. Bacterial toxins from gum disease or an abscess can also erode the bone supporting the tooth, increasing looseness and spreading infection.
Identifying an Infected Loose Tooth
Pain is a common indicator, ranging from a persistent ache to sharp, throbbing sensations, often worsening with chewing or pressure. The gums around the affected tooth may appear red, swollen, and tender. Swelling might also extend to the face or jaw.
Pus is a clear sign of infection, visible as a red, swollen bump or pimple on the gums, sometimes with a foul-smelling or tasting discharge. Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste can also signal an ongoing infection. A fever may develop, indicating the infection has spread. The affected tooth may also become discolored or sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.
What to Do About a Loose or Infected Tooth
Prompt dental attention is advisable for any loose tooth, particularly if signs of infection are present. A dentist can determine the cause of the looseness and the extent of any infection through examination and imaging. Treatment for infection often involves draining any abscesses and addressing the bacterial source. Antibiotics may be prescribed to control the infection, especially if it shows signs of spreading. However, antibiotics alone typically do not resolve the underlying dental issue.
Depending on the cause, a loose tooth may be treated with procedures like scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar. If trauma is the cause, splinting may stabilize the tooth by bonding it to adjacent stable teeth. In cases of severe damage or extensive infection, tooth extraction may be necessary. Untreated infections can lead to serious complications, including the spread of bacteria to other parts of the body, affecting the jawbone, sinuses, or leading to systemic infections.