Table of contents:
- Causes of loose teeth in adults
- 1. Periodontitis
- 2. Pregnancy hormones
- 3. Osteoporosis
- 4. Injury to the teeth
- 5. Grind your teeth
- Then, can loose teeth be treated?
Loose teeth are common in young children because this is a sign that their baby teeth are ready to be replaced with permanent teeth. However, loose teeth are not normal in adults. Loose teeth in adults can be caused by a variety of factors. In order for proper handling, you first need to know the various possible causes of loose teeth.
Causes of loose teeth in adults
Teeth are said to shake when they are easily shaken or move when they are touched with fingers or tongue. In adults, the cause of loose teeth is usually due to a history of oral problems and daily habits.
Here are some conditions that can cause loose teeth.
1. Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a serious infection of the gum area. This condition is known by common people as gum disease.
The main cause of periodontitis is teeth that are dirty due to lack of cleaning. When you rarely brush andflossing teeth, food scraps will stick to the surface and between the teeth. Over time, this food residue will form plaque filled with bacteria.
If allowed to continue, plaque will harden and turn into tartar. Generally, plaque takes about 12 days to harden and form tartar. Even so, the rate at which tartar forms may differ from person to person, depending on the pH level of the saliva.
The tartar most often forms above the gum line. At first the tartar is yellowish white, but over time it will turn brown or even blackish. The darker the color of the tartar, the more plaque that has accumulated.
Teeth that are filled with tartar are more susceptible to infection. The reason is, tartar will produce gaps between the teeth and gums. Well, this gap is what allows bacteria to multiply and cause infection.
Continued infection can erode the bone and tissue around the teeth, causing loose teeth. Teeth that are not firmly embedded in the gums are also easier to fall out or fall off.
2. Pregnancy hormones
Pregnancy can also be one of the causes of loose teeth, you know!
The increase in the hormones progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can cause the connective tissue and bone around your teeth to become loose, making it easier for your teeth to become loose.
In addition, pregnant women are classified as more susceptible to experiencing various other oral and dental problems which are also caused by increased hormones. Progesterone levels that are too high can trigger bacterial growth in the mouth, making pregnant women prone to toothaches.
The Indonesian Dentists Association (PDGI) revealed that pregnant women tend to be prone to gingivitis in the early trimester of pregnancy. Generally, the symptoms of gingivitis begin in the second month and peak around the eighth month.
Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that makes the gums swollen and bleeds easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can spread to other parts of the mouth. Gums that are swollen and bleed easily can make the overlying teeth feel more loose.
You should immediately consult a dentist if your teeth feel loose during pregnancy. Don't ignore any symptoms that appear on your teeth and mouth. Especially if before pregnancy you already had oral and dental problems.
This is important so that you can detect other possible problems with your teeth and mouth. Remember! Your health will also affect the health of the fetus.
3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a loss that occurs due to the depletion of calcium mineral reserves from the bones. Osteoporosis generally occurs in the bones that support the body, such as the spine and waist. However, teeth can be affected because the teeth and bone tissue that supports them are made of the mineral calcium as well.
According to the National Institute of Health, women with osteoporosis are 3 times more likely to experience loose teeth than those without osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can attack the jawbone tissue that supports teeth. A brittle jawbone can't support your teeth as hard as before, so your teeth will loosen or even fall out.
Some of the drugs used to treat osteoporosis can also affect teeth. One study showed that bone loss is more susceptible to people who use intravenous (intravenous) bisphosphonate drugs to treat their osteoporosis. However, cases of loose teeth from the side effects of this drug are rare.
4. Injury to the teeth
Injuries to the mouth and face are the most common cause of loose teeth. Most injuries occur due to accidents, falls, or blows that hit the face during a fight.
Some people also experience dental injuries due to wrong dental techniques. For example, braces that are too tight or wearing ill-fitting dentures. In severe cases, injuries to the mouth can also cause damage to the bones and tissues that support the teeth and break the teeth.
If you experience injuries to the teeth and mouth, do not hesitate to immediately see a dentist. At first glance with the naked eye, your teeth may appear fine. However, the bone and tissue that supports your teeth may have problems that need to be treated immediately. So, don't underestimate the injury that hits the area around the mouth, huh!
5. Grind your teeth
The habit of grinding, grinding, or grinding your teeth can also be the cause of loose teeth. Some people do this quite often without realizing it when they are sleeping, panicking, or under stress. In medical terms, the habit of grinding teeth is called bruxism.
Bruxism that is done intentionally or not can cause loose teeth. This is because the friction and intense pressure that the teeth are constantly subjected to can loosen the roots of the teeth from the gums and supporting bones.
Usually a new tooth feels wobbly as soon as your jaw hurts. This condition can also cause sensitive teeth, chin abnormalities, headaches, tooth decay, and other problems.
Apart from grinding your teeth, habits that are often done daily can also cause teeth to loosen easily. For example, biting something hard (ice cubes, nails, the tip of a pencil / pen) and chewing food too hard.
This risk usually occurs in people who have a previous history of dental problems, such as cavities. The condition of the teeth that is already weak is more at risk of shaking and even breaking due to being forced to constantly endure a lot of pressure.
Then, can loose teeth be treated?
Loose teeth can be treated in various ways, but the treatment really depends on the cause. Some people may be advised to do simple dental care because the cause is relatively minor.
On the other hand, there are also people who need to undergo dental removal surgery to prevent complications. This is why you need to understand what causes loose teeth before deciding on the right treatment method.