SYMPTOMS

What is loose teeth?

Loose teeth refer to increased mobility beyond the normal physiological range (0.02 mm). Since the normal range is too small to perceive, any noticeable increase in tooth mobility that one can clearly feel generally indicates loose teeth.

What counts as abnormal tooth loosening?

Except for baby teeth loosening during tooth replacement, slight loosening of some teeth due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation in women, or during orthodontic treatment, any perceptible or detectable tooth loosening is considered abnormal.

TREATMENT

Can loose teeth be repaired?

Not necessarily. The prognosis for loose teeth varies depending on the cause.

If it's due to local occlusal trauma or acute inflammation of the periodontal ligament, the tooth can usually stabilize again after addressing the cause. However, in most other cases, once a tooth becomes loose, it is difficult to restore.

How to prevent loose teeth?

The most common cause of loose teeth is chronic periodontitis, which is closely related to daily oral hygiene.

Maintain good oral habits, such as brushing morning and night, using dental floss, and getting professional cleanings every six months to a year.

Additionally, if you have conditions like bruxism, one-sided chewing, or severe misalignment that may cause occlusal trauma, seek early treatment to eliminate these risk factors for loose teeth.

Following these measures can prevent most cases of loose teeth.

Can extremely loose teeth be removed at home?

No. Tooth extraction is a professional invasive procedure and should be performed at a medical facility.

Moreover, treatment approaches vary depending on the cause of tooth looseness.

Teeth severely loosened due to periodontitis, periapical inflammation, or root fractures are generally recommended for extraction.

However, if looseness is caused by a jawbone tumor, extraction is contraindicated. Self-removal in such cases poses significant risks. Therefore, regardless of how loose a tooth is, consult a dentist to determine the underlying cause.

DIAGNOSIS

Under what circumstances should you seek medical attention for loose teeth?

It is recommended to visit a hospital if you experience loose teeth in the following situations:

• Recently occurring loose teeth with no apparent cause;

• Loose teeth accompanied by bleeding;

• Previously mildly loose teeth suddenly becoming significantly looser;

• Loose teeth after trauma or biting hard objects;

• During a child's tooth replacement phase, if permanent teeth have erupted but baby teeth remain loose and fail to fall out.

Which department should you visit for loose teeth?

For loose teeth, you should first visit the Dental Department or Periodontics Department. If the underlying cause is determined to be related to other medical conditions, you may need diagnosis and treatment from other departments, such as for jawbone tumors.

What examinations and treatments might be required at the hospital?

In addition to necessary clinical examinations, the most important diagnostic tools for loose teeth are X-rays or CT scans. Only through imaging can the condition of the tooth roots and surrounding areas be assessed to identify the cause of tooth loosening and provide targeted treatment.

Taking periodontal disease, the most common cause of loose teeth, as an example, the doctor will first evaluate whether the loose tooth is worth preserving. If treatment cannot restore stability and the tooth affects chewing function or oral hygiene, extraction is usually recommended.

For loose teeth that can be preserved, the primary treatments include full-mouth scaling and root planing (commonly known as teeth cleaning) to remove local tartar and eliminate inflammation. Additionally, bite adjustment or tooth stabilization may be performed to address factors contributing to or worsening tooth loosening.

What should you pay attention to for loose teeth that do not require treatment?

For well-controlled periodontal disease, some mildly loose teeth may not require treatment. However, the following precautions should be taken:

• Maintain proper oral hygiene, including correct brushing and flossing;

• Avoid habits like chewing on one side or clenching teeth;

• Do not bite on hard foods such as nut shells or crab legs;

• Schedule regular (every 3–6 months) dental or periodontal check-ups for professional cleaning;

• Seek immediate medical attention if looseness worsens.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What are the possible causes of loose teeth?

Loose teeth may be related to the following conditions:

• Chronic periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is the most common cause of loose teeth. Its primary effect is the recession of alveolar bone and gums, leading to the gradual loss of the "supporting soil" around the teeth, which results in tooth mobility.

• Occlusal trauma

Occlusal trauma occurs when improper bite contact or poorly designed dentures cause certain teeth to bear excessive force. This includes premature contact during biting, poorly designed dentures or orthodontic treatments, teeth grinding (bruxism), and chewing on one side. These conditions can damage the supporting tissues of the teeth, leading to looseness.

• Acute inflammation of the periodontal ligament

The periodontal ligament is a layer of elastic tissue directly surrounding the tooth root, providing support and cushioning biting forces.

However, acute inflammation caused by conditions like periapical periodontitis, periodontal abscesses, or dental trauma can lead to congestion, swelling, and widening of this elastic tissue, increasing tooth mobility. This type of looseness usually resolves after the inflammation is treated.

• Jaw cysts or tumors

Due to genetic factors, mutations, or inflammatory stimuli, cysts or tumors may develop in the jawbone. If they affect the tooth roots, they can cause tooth mobility.

In many cases, these cysts or tumors are discovered only after X-rays are taken due to loose teeth.

• Root fracture

Under extreme force or severe tooth decay, the tooth root may fracture. This disrupts the integrity of the tooth structure and causes swelling and widening of the periodontal ligament, leading to tooth mobility.

• Root resorption

Following dental trauma, developmental disorders, chronic inflammation, or improper orthodontic forces, some teeth may undergo spontaneous resorption, becoming shorter over time and eventually loosening.

• Jaw fracture

The jawbone serves as the supporting structure for teeth. If it fractures due to external force, the teeth near the fracture line may become loose.

• Post-surgical effects

After certain oral surgeries, such as periodontal flap surgery or scaling, temporary tooth mobility may occur due to the removal of some dental cementum and tissue swelling.

Loose teeth may also occur under normal physiological conditions:

• During primary tooth replacement, the primary teeth that are about to be replaced by permanent teeth may become loose.

• Women during menstruation, pregnancy, or long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may experience slight tooth mobility.

Do teeth inevitably become loose with age?

No, tooth looseness is only related to the aforementioned diseases and certain physiological conditions, not age. With good oral hygiene, people of any age can maintain strong, stable teeth.