If some of your front or back teeth feel loose or wobbly, you may feel as though nothing can keep your teeth from eventually falling out. There are many reasons teeth become loose and wobbly, including bruxism, advanced gum disease, and trauma. If any of the previous situations pertain to you, tell a family dentist immediately. Learn why teeth wobble and how to "tighten" them below.
What Type of Problems Lead to Wobbly Teeth?
Although teeth seem almost magical in how they stay upright in the jawbone, they actually rely on a periodontal ligament to remain in place. A periodontal ligament surrounds the tooth and allows it to adhere directly to the tooth socket. The ligament also takes the brunt of stress when you chew food. If teeth ligaments undergo too much force and stress, they weaken.
Physical stress can come from a number of things, including teeth grinding. The ligament can loosen up in people who "brux", or grind their teeth throughout the night. Teeth ligaments that experience excessive stress regularly can eventually enlarge. The teeth attached to the enlarged ligaments become loose enough to move in their sockets.
There are other catalysts for wobbly teeth, including advanced gum disease and trauma. These problems can cause significant damage to the ligaments. If you have problems with moving teeth and want to keep them in place, talk to a dental provider.
What Can You Do About Your Wobbling Teeth?
A dentist will need to know why your teeth move around so freely before they can treat them. You want to tell a family dentist anything you know about your teeth, including whether or not you have a history of bruxism, gum disease, and mouth trauma.
If you don't know why you have mobile teeth, a dentist can take radiographs of your mouth. If you have wobbly teeth on both sides of the mouth, a dentist may take a full set of radiographs to diagnose you properly. The ligaments throughout your mouth may be infected or damaged by bruxism or gum disease.
You also want to tell a dentist about any symptoms you may have right now, including pain, bleeding, and swelling. The symptoms can rule out things that may or may not cause wobbly teeth. Once a dental provider has a better understanding of your condition, they can treat you with root cleanings, tooth guards, and other helpful methods.
You can learn about your loose teeth and how to fix them by contacting a family dentist's office today.
If you are tired of coming down with dental problems, the problem might not be your toothpaste. Instead, it could be your habits tied to your dental care. Aggressive brushers, people who have a tendency to forget, and even people who are flossing improperly could be left with serious dental issues, which is why it really pays to focus on mastering the small things. From moving forward with a better brushing routine to doing what you can to identify and resolve ongoing decay, making your dental health a priority is instrumental in preventing pain and added budgetary strains. Check out this blog to find out more.