Blog - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What to Do if Your Teeth Feel Loose

Your teeth are designed to allow for a bit of wiggling. If you grip your healthy tooth, you may be able to rock it ever so slightly but that is all the connective tissue will allow. Healthy teeth do not move or shift. So what would cause your teeth to feel loose and what should you do about it? An experienced periodontist in Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Michael C. Stypula, gives us some insight into periodontal health.

Top 3 Reasons Teeth Become Loose

1.       Periodontal disease: Gum disease is the number one factor behind loose teeth. Caused by the bacteria that inhabit the plaque on your teeth, gum disease is an infection that slowly destroys the connective tissue that provides support, leaving your teeth loose and shifting. Without treatment from a periodontist, the disease progresses until teeth are lost. There are numerous effective treatments for gum disease available, from antibiotics to laser gum surgery. Call your periodontist at the first sign of bleeding gums.

2.       Bone loss: Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone density. Treatments for bone density can negatively impact the bone in your jaw. Be sure to tell your periodontist if you are taking medication for osteoporosis. Additionally, periodontal disease results in bone loss, which can cause loose teeth.

3.       Injury: From sports injuries to car accidents, trauma can not only loosen a tooth, it can knock it out of its socket. If you experience a blow to your face, jaw, or mouth, call your periodontist  immediately for an emergency appointment. If your tooth has been knocked out, it may be re-implanted if attended to within an hour of the incident.

If your teeth feel loose, do not hesitate to call Dr. Stypula to schedule a consultation. Our periodontist in Pittsburgh, PAcan determine whether your dental health is a result of periodontal disease and offer the necessary treatments to improve the health and appearance of your smile.

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