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Common causes of loose teeth

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common causes of loose teeth

In adults, loose teeth are a sign that something is wrong; a signal that you may have a dental issue that needs treatment. Without treatment, in many cases loose teeth can lead to tooth loss.

What causes teeth to become loose?

1. Gum disease is one of the most common cause of loose teeth in Canadian adults. It occurs when plaque, tartar and bacteria build up and inflame the gums and bone surrounding the tooth. If left untreated, gum disease, can cause enough damage to the supporting bone that teeth become loose. The good news is that gum disease is treatable. Better yet, it’s preventable with good dental hygiene habits including regular brushing, flossing and dental exams.

2. While less common, accidents can cause teeth to become loose. If you act quickly enough, an injured tooth can be salvaged.

3. A common but lesser known cause of loose teeth is occlusal damage. More simply put, it’s the damage that occurs when excessive forces are put on your teeth.Tooth clenching and grinding are common culprits of occlusal damage.

Missing teeth can have a number of consequences

You only have one set of adult teeth, and losing them can have a negative impact on your:

Appearance: Missing teeth can cause jawbone loss, creating a “sunken in”, aged look

Oral health: Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift into the gaps left behind, impacting the balance of your bite. Gaps can also be more problematic to keep clean, upping your risk of plaque and bacteria build-up

Emotional health: For some people, missing teeth can come with a profound sense of loss. For others, missing teeth can impact self esteem

General health: When you are missing teeth, your ability to chew effectively can be compromised. This can lead to poorly digested food. Many people who have difficulty chewing tend to abandon some foods that are harder to eat. Often these are healthy foods, such as crunchy fruits and vegetables.

Being aware of the common causes of loose teeth can help you work proactively to keep your teeth as long as possible.

Keep your teeth for life

By maintaining good oral health, it is possible to keep your natural teeth intact, even as you age. Regular brushing, flossing and dental exams can go a long way to helping you achieve your optimum oral health. If you would like to learn more about preventive dental care, please schedule a consultation with Red Deer dentist, Dr Saby.

Request an Appointment with Our Red Deer Dental Office