Loose/Mobile Teeth Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Loose/Mobile Teeth Overview A tooth that sits loosely within its socket and wiggles is called a mobile tooth. As a child, having loose teeth is a part of development of dentition. However, the occurrence of mobile teeth in adults is never typical, and almost always, indicative of an underlying condition (disease or trauma). Causes and risk factors In children, once the permanent (adult) teeth begin to break through the gums, the primary (baby/milk) teeth loosen and eventually, fall out. The factors causing loose teeth in adults include:Periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontitis causes the degradation of the supporting ligaments, tissues, and bones that surround the teeth; globally, among adults, periodontitis is the most prominent cause of loose teeth (and tooth loss).Dental trauma: Dental injuries, such as those caused by sport-related or vehicular accidents, may result in one or more teeth becoming mobile.Teeth grinding (bruxism): Over time, constant tooth clenching or grinding can cause tooth mobility.Pregnancy: Pregnancy-induced surges in the progesterone and oestrogen levels may cause the tissues that hold the teeth in place to loosen (albeit temporarily), a condition termed as pregnancy gingivitis. Usually, in women with this condition, the symptoms disappear after childbirth. Symptoms Apart from feeling strange, especially during common oral activities, such as chewing, eating, brushing, or flossing, wobbly teeth may be associated with the following symptoms:Red, tender, bleeding, and/or swollen gumsReceding gums, i.e., when the gums wear or pull away, exposing the roots.Tooth discolorationEventually, loose tooth may cause:Difficulties with biting and chewing.Excess contact and pressure on the neighbouring teeth. Diagnosis A loose or mobile tooth can be easily identified as it can be felt with the tongue or finger. Moreover, how the upper teeth sit on the lower teeth may seem different than usual.During a dental examination, the cause of loose teeth can be ascertained and accordingly, appropriate treatment plans may be recommended.In general, regular dental examination and cleaning procedures are recommended (often, once every 6 months). However, if patients are prone to developing cavities or gum disease, more frequent visits to the dentist are recommended.If patients develop loose teeth between visits, they are advised to schedule additional appointments with the dentist, who can begin treatment immediately to reduce the risk of further complications. Treatment The severity and cause of mobile teeth determine the treatment method recommended by the dentist.Treatment for trauma-induced formation of loose teeth:Bite adjustment: A minute amount of enamel is scraped off from the loose and opposing tooth to alleviate the excess pressure from the bite; this helps promote the healing of the wobbly tooth.Mouth guard: In patients with bruxism, this oral appliance shields the teeth from excessive damage and/or pressure.Splinting: In cases where the loose tooth has not yet been pulled away from the gums, two neighbouring teeth are bonded together, so that the loose tooth has additional support and its movement is prevented during healing.Gum disease-induced tooth mobility: The following surgical treatments are recommended:Tooth scaling and root planingOsseous surgery (flap or pocket reduction surgery): A procedure involving the thorough cleaning of the roots of the teeth to clear the bacterial infection, removal of infected tissues, and if necessary, reshaping the bones surrounding the teeth.Application of dental bone and/or gum graftsSometimes, when a loose tooth is beyond saving, the dentist is likely to recommend tooth removal, followed by the application of a dental bridge or implant as a replacement for the extracted tooth.