What is Tooth Mobility?

Movement or loosening of a tooth from its socket more than the normal limit defines tooth mobility. A loose tooth among adults should not be taken for granted since it indicates tooth mobility which occurs as a result of some form of periodontal disease, trauma or too much bone loss.

What Causes a Loose Tooth?

There are several reasons why the support structure around the tooth is weakened leading to tooth mobility. Some of the common ones include:

Gum disease (periodontitis)
Trauma or an accident
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Pregnancy hormone changes
Bone diseases like osteoporosis

The above mentioned causes with periodontal disease being the most common reason for tooth mobility.

Signs of Tooth Mobility

Some signs and symptoms that might mean you have tooth mobility include:

Loose feeling of the tooth during chewing and brushing
Pain when biting
Receding gum
Swollen and tender gums
Sensitivity of teeth
Shift in teeth position

If not addressed, the situation will lead to tooth loss.

What Will Happen if a Loose Tooth is Not Treated?

Loose teeth that remain untreated may result in the following problems:

Bone loss
Infection of the gums
Problems in chewing
Misalignment of bite
Tooth loss

Early detection significantly increases the chances of keeping the teeth intact.

Prevention of Loose Teeth

Oral care and regular dental visits have a major part to play in preventing tooth mobility. Other preventives include:

Quit smoking and vaping
Mouthguards when playing sports
Night guards for people who grind their teeth
Treating gum diseases
Daily brushing and flossing

👉 Don't ignore a loose tooth—visit our comprehensive guide to understand why your teeth feel loose and what are the treatment options for tooth mobility.