Do not take a loose tooth for granted. Learn how to save your teeth.

As a child you might have gotten excited each time you spotted a loose tooth, as each one meant money under your pillow and the emergence of permanent dentition. However, as an adult, loose teeth are a cause of great concern, for aesthetic reasons and because a mobile tooth will mean more work for your remaining teeth. Here is everything you need to know about loose teeth, including treatment and preventive measures.

What Keeps Your Teeth In Place?

Your tooth is composed of a hard layer of enamel, slightly weaker dentin, the cementum covering the root and the innermost layer, pulp, filled with nerve endings. The tooth resides in its socket, embedded in the alveolar bone. However, there are supporting structures that keep it in place. The gingiva or gums cover the bone and enclose the tooth. The periodontal ligaments serve as an elastic cushion, found between the tooth and the alveolar socket. These structures serve as the bond that keeps the teeth in place.

Why Is My Tooth Loose? Discover the cause

Please note that the periodontal ligaments are minuscule fibers that provide your teeth with a cushion, to absorb the forces caused by chewing. Since it is elastic, keep in mind that a certain amount of tooth mobility is considered normal. Therefore, your teeth move a bit each time you chew. However, this movement is hardly visible.

If you notice that your tooth is more mobile than normal, that is a cause for concern. There are many factors that contribute to loose teeth. Accidental trauma or blunt force to the area may result in tooth mobility. Falling face forward, getting hit by a ball and car accidents account for a major percentage of accidental trauma that results in loose teeth. Occlusal trauma, also called bite injury may be another factor. This happens when a tooth receives more force during a bite than it can handle.

Some habits like Bruxism (night grinding) and tooth clenching can cause occlusal trauma. A gum abscess or tumor may also cause loose teeth. Periodontal disease accounts for a major percentage of mobile teeth in adults. Please note that periodontitis is usually the cause, as gingivitis is more of a gum infection and thus, it may not damage the internal structures. Once the bacteria attacks the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone, there is a definite cause for concern as there is a huge possibility that reattachment may not succeed.

Periodontitis should be considered a severe condition. This may start out as a localized case. However, without proper intervention, it may spread to the other teeth. Periodontitis is caused by lack of sufficient oral hygiene, infrequent professional cleaning, smoking and diabetes. Common symptoms will include pain while chewing food along with red and inflamed gums.

Treatment?

There are many ways to treat a loose tooth. However, to ensure the efficacy of the treatment, the procedure performed will depend on the causative factor. Therefore, treatment should be performed by a licensed dentist. It would be best to visit a periodontist, if the mobility is due to periodontal disease.

Accidental Trauma:

If the tooth mobility is caused by accidental trauma, splinting should be done. During this process, the mobile teeth are attached to those that are anchored firmly. In most cases, resin composite is used. This tooth-colored gel is cured by a light-cure gun. The splint may be removed in two to three weeks, depending upon the severity of the condition.

Bite Injury:

Bite injury can be treated with occlusal adjustment. This entails minor reshaping of the masticatory surfaces. It will also act as a preventive measure, with regard to periodontal disease, since the condition is linked to malocclusion. Please note that orthodontic treatment is necessary. By getting your teeth aligned properly, you can even out the occlusal forces, which prevents further trauma.

Bruxism (grinding):

Night guards are necessary for people who suffer from Bruxism, a condition wherein a person grinds his or her teeth at night. This is a psychological condition where a person who suffers from high levels of stress grinds and gnashes his or her teeth during rest.

People who clench their teeth may not know that they have the problem, as they are in deep sleep when this occurs. However, the patient may complain of TMJ pains and the occlusal area of his or her teeth will look worn.

Those who suffer from Bruxism need to wear a mouth guard at night to help his or her teeth recover. This device helps by absorbing the heightened masticatory forces.

Gum Abscess, Tumors:

People with gum abscess or tumors should have them surgically removed as soon as possible. This may be done by a dentist or an oral; surgeon, depending on the severity of the situation.

Periodontal Disease

Those with periodontal disease should schedule an appointment for scaling and root planing. This procedure is done with the help of scalers and curettes. The dental practitioner may have to use a flap method, wherein the gums are separated from the tooth, in order to remove any deep seated tartar or calculus.

Local anesthetic is given to prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The patient is prescribed antibiotics as well. This will kill any of the remaining bacteria.

As an added note, please remember that follow-up visits are required. Those with periodontal disease are asked to have their teeth cleaned every two to three months.

How Can I Prevent Loose Teeth?

Tooth mobility can be prevented. Here are some recommendations:

Wear a Mouth Guard:

If you play contact sports this should already be one piece of your protection. This will act as a precautionary apparatus and protect your teeth. Individuals with malocclusion should consider orthodontic treatment, before periodontal disease develops. People who night grind should seek out dental treatment, as soon as they spot symptoms of Bruxism, including TMJ pain.

Avoid Hard Foods:

If the food you eat is very hard it may only further loosen your teeth. Therefore, it is important to be aware of what you are eating. Plan ahead, before you put it in your mouth! And chew carefully!

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Brush: Brush twice or three times daily. Many are using essential oils for gum infection and tooth problems.

Floss: Floss between each tooth, preferably with the use of waxed dental floss to avoid accidental trauma. Water picks can also be used if you find it hard to floss, especially for individuals with fixed orthodontic appliances, like braces.

See your dentist: Bi-annual dental visits for professional oral prophylaxis/ plaque removal are necessary. Each time you skip a dental appointment, you are putting yourself at a great risk. Studies show that oral conditions can affect your overall health.

Periodontitis is a serious condition that can lead to disfigurement. Therefore, if you have had periodontal diseases in the past, it would be wise to take better care of your oral health.

Please remember that once the internal structures become infected, you will require extensive procedures, which are definitely costly. That is why it is best to invest in the time and care of your gums.

Remember that it is cheaper to invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush, a natural toothpaste and dental floss than it is to have a full set of complete dentures made. Therefore, if you notice that you have loose teeth, schedule a visit with your dentist right away.

Remember, teeth need healthy gums. Learn more about how to reverse periodontal disease naturally.

Discover the root cause of your gum problems, then  learn how to treat severe periodontal disease.

Periodontitis treatment is essential to eradicate bacteria from the oral cavity and it is done to simulate the healing of the affected area, or areas in most cases. If you have gingivitis, periodontitis or ANUG (Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis), you are not alone. There are many people who have the same problem. Therefore, do not lose hope, as the infection can be resolved, with the proper dental techniques, of course. However, please remember that your infection should not be taken lightly. In some cases, severe forms of periodontal disease can affect your system, as the bacteria may travel to other parts of the body.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of periodontal gum disease. The progress of periodontal disease is generally broken down into two phases. it is very important to understand that you do not simply wake up one day and immediately have it. There is a disease of the gums that has been progressing up to this point. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the progression of gum disease and its root cause.

So in summary, periodontitis is severe, advanced gum disease. 

What is the Cause of Periodontal Disease? 

Before we discuss periodontal treatments, it is important to tackle the reasons why people have gum problems. There are a lot of factors that can lead to this condition. However, the main reason is that the normal amount of bacteria has multiplied. This may be caused by plaque, tartar, being immune-compromised, hormonal changes or certain medications for hypertension and seizures.

Since the mouth contains 500 or more species of microorganisms regularly, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene. This will keep the levels of bacteria to a minimum. Microorganisms multiply in number when there are large amounts of plaque or tartar deposits. Food debris provides these organisms with ample nutrients needed to multiply in number. When the volume of bacteria is greater than normal, infection will begin.

Once this happens, our immune system goes on overdrive. It releases chemicals to combat the bacteria. Macrophages play an important role in this case. They engulf the bacteria and cover them with chemicals. This makes it easier for our other cells to destroy the organisms. However, the chemicals produced during this process will harm the tissues in the affected area. This causes inflammation.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. It is characterized by red, inflamed and painful gums. Bleeding occurs during brushing and even with slight contact. This is a reversible condition that can be done with the help of proper brushing and flossing techniques. It is best to go to your dentist once a month for thorough cleaning procedures.

No bone or tissue loss occurs during this stage. This means that if the problem is addressed during this phase, you will not have to worry about permanent damage. However, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible as the longer tartar and plaque stay on your teeth, the more harmful they can be.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis goes untreated, the damage becomes irreversible. A advanced conditions develops wherein the bacteria gains access  to the bone and roots. The organisms invade the space between the roots and the alveolar socket. During this period, periodontal pockets are formed, as the gums and the tooth are separated by these areas filled with bacteria. The immune system will have to fight harder, as the infection begins to break down the structure of the root and the bone. If this is left untreated, there is a chance that the pocket may widen. The infection may spread to the soft tissue and the jaw.

Please note that teeth may become loosened, and they may have to be extracted. Please note that aside from the mentioned risk factors, smokers are at an increased risk of developing this problem. People who smoke and receive treatment may also expect a slimmer chance of success.

As mentioned above there may be underlying contributing factors to aggressive  and chronic periodontitis, such as a compromised immune system. Check with your medical doctor to discuss how underlying health conditions may be driving or contributing to the difficulty in controlling bacteria, thus the process of gum disease.

Stages of Gum Disease 

Signs of Advanced Periodontal Disease

During regular visits, your dentist will check your gums and teeth any distinguishing signs that the bacteria has set in:

• Receding gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Gum inflammation
• swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
• Gum abscess or pus
• Unaligned teeth
• Change in the depth of gum pockets.

Probing for Periodontal Pockets.

Once your periodontist or hygienist identifies the signs of gum disease or as part of the routine checkup, they may use a tiny probe, which resembles a ruler, to check the gumline for the presence of periodontal pockets. The normal probe depth should range between one to three millimeters. Anything deeper than that signifies the presence of a periodontal pocket. While this procedure is usually painless, people with periodontal pockets may feel slight to moderate discomfort, owing to the infection. Many dentists use an electronic probe that records the depth at each visit.

X-Rays to Reveal Bone Deterioration.

The dentist may also take an x-ray to confirm the presence of gum disease. If pockets are present, he or she will refer you to a periodontist, as this specialist will have the expertise necessary to treat the condition.

Give More Attention When You have a Chronic Illness. 

However, if you have any systemic illness or are taking medication that can cause gum problems, you may be asked to visit every one to two months as a precautionary measure.

Periodontitis Treatment

The periodontist’s main goal will be to control the spread of infection. The treatment will usually require multiple visits. The number will vary, based on the extent of the damage. However, please note that it is important to practice proper oral hygiene techniques at home as well. Please note that smokers may be asked to quit, as smoking will lessen the effectiveness of the treatment.

Scaling and Root Planing

This technique is done to remove the plaque above and under the gumline. Scaling is the process wherein scraping is done to remove tartar. Root planing technique that makes use of a tool to smoothen out rough spots on the roots. These areas are infected with microorganisms that cause the disease. Please note that the dentist may use manual tools or a laser to achieve the desired result.

Medicine

Medication is needed to resolve the problem. Chlorhexidine mouthwash may be prescribed for home care. This formula controls bacteria and is used just like regular mouthwash. You may be asked to switch to a liquid toothpaste. Most periodontists prefer them, as the regular dentifrice has harsh ingredients that may damage the sensitive area. He or she will usually prescribe a natural cleaning solution that contains essential oils with antimicrobial properties.

An antiseptic chip may be inserted into the area. It will contain chlorhexidine and be placed in the periodontal pocket to reduce the infection. Anti-bacterial gel may also be placed in the periodontal space. Lastly, oral antibiotics are usually prescribed to control the infection. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will also be given, to lessen the discomfort and inflammation cause by the invasive treatment.

Flap Surgery

In cases wherein an extensive area is involved; flap surgery may be required. This is done when the pockets are very deep. This technique is required to remove tartar deposits found in deeper pockets. The gum area is incised and lifted away for the procedure. Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, the gingiva is sutured back. Patients will notice that the gums will fit more tightly around the teeth after this procedure.

Gum Grafts

Gum grafts are performed by taking soft tissue from other areas of the mouth and transferring them to the cleaned area where there is a receding gum line. The tissue is sown to the affected area with hopes that they will cover gums that have receded. It can be a painful and costly procedure. There are newer procedures available, such as the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ that are less radical and offer a quicker recovery time, but can also be costly.

Tissue And Bone Graft Techniques

A graft may be required for severe cases wherein there is bone loss. Synthetic bone is placed in the area to stimulate bone growth. Tissue grafts may also be required to cover any exposed roots. Synthetic material may be used. However, in most cases, tissue is harvested from another part of the oral cavity.

Periodontal Treatment Costs

Your periodontist will choose a gum disease treatment according to your particular needs. Therefore, people with mild to moderate cases may not need to undergo flap surgery or grafts as those procedures. However, please note that each treatment comes with a possible percentage of failure, depending on your case and how well you follow the post-operative care procedures at home. Everyone, however, must deal with the root cause of gum disease – bacteria. Kill it or it may kill you, literally!

If you are looking for a periodontitis cure, natural options may not reverse the damage already done. However, together with the help of your periodontist, a natural periodontitis treatment solution may effectively kill and subdue the root cause — uncontrolled bacteria. This is a non-negotiable. What are you waiting for?

Gum disease affects most adults to some degree during their lifetime. In the case of mild gum disease, such as gingivitis, the condition can be easily reversed and there are now long-lasting health problems. Periodontal disease however, which is the advanced phase of gum disease, can lead to long term problems. Periodontal disease causes some serious health problems and understanding more about the condition can help you to avoid ever developing it.

This article will guide you through the causes, symptoms and treatment options for gum disease.

Root Cause of Periodontal Gum Disease

Periodontal disease develops when earlier stages and symptoms of gum disease have been ignored. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is a bacterial infection of the gingiva (gum tissue). Gum disease, whether it be mild gingivitis or advanced periodontitis, is always caused by bacteria.

Every day your mouth is bombarded by large amounts of bacteria growing on the teeth and gums. These bacteria feed and flourish off the leftover food particles that remain in your mouth after each meal.

If these food particles and bacteria are not removed regularly through a consistent home oral health routine, then the gingiva becomes irritated and inflamed. Over time this irritation of the gum tissue can become a bacterial infection.

The bacterial infection is made worse by the presence of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky kind of matter that is produced when your saliva and oral bacteria interact. It is a yellowish kind of color and clings onto the teeth and gums. If plaque is not brushed and flossed away, it can harden and become tartar. This is why you need to see your dentist or hygienist regularly in order to scrape it away before too much damage is done.

What are the symptoms of gingivitis?

There are many different signs and symptoms of gum disease that warn a patient there is something awry with their oral health. Gingivitis in its early stages can be difficult to notice. Dentists are able to see the initial signs of the condition, which is one of the reasons that it is important to have regular dental check-ups.

There are also things for you to be on the lookout for so that you can reverse gum disease before it becomes serious periodontal disease.

The signs of gingivitis to be aware of include:

• Bleeding gums after you brush your teeth
• Bad breath that does not go away after brushing
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums that are moving away from the teeth

If you have some of the symptoms of gingivitis, you need to make a dental appointment right away. They will be able to provide a correct diagnosis and provide you with an effective treatment plan. Starting treatment in the early days of the condition means that you will be able to fully recover your oral health quickly and easily.

In most cases gingivitis that is identified early can be reversed simply by sticking faithfully to an oral hygiene routine that includes brushing after each meal, flossing carefully and using a natural mouthwash or liquid toothpaste containing anti-bacterial botanical oils such as spearmint and peppermint.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

When gingivitis is not eradicated early on, then the infection will worsen until it becomes a condition known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. At this stage, the infection is very serious and there is a risk of long-term damage to oral health.

There are various symptoms of periodontitis to be aware of:

• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Teeth falling out
• Shifting of teeth, which alters the shape of your bite
• Infection of the gum bone
• Pus
• Abscesses

Treatments for periodontal disease

If you are diagnosed with periodontitis by your dentist, then you are likely to require some form of procedure in order to get rid of the infection and restore your dental health. There are several surgical and non-surgical procedures that may be performed. Among them are the following:

Root planing and scraping – is performed by your dentist to remove tartar and bacteria that are under the gum line and smooth out the pockets of bacteria that can form around the teeth.

Pocket reduction surgery – this may be undertaken when there are large, bacteria filled pockets around the tooth root. These are often filled with infection so the bacteria will generally be cleaned out and then the gum tissue may be surgery stitched back into place.

Gum tissue grafting – when the gum tissue is so infected that it needs to be replaced, skin may be grafted from the roof of the mouth.

Medications – antibiotics will often be prescribed to accompany periodontal disease treatments in an attempt to get the bacterial infection under control.

Your dentist may choose any option above or another periodontal disease treatment depending on your individual condition and needs. These days many surgical dental procedures to reverse gum disease are performed with laser rather than traditional surgical implements.

Gum Disease Prevention

Most people are able to easily avoid developing gum disease and periodontal disease causes by following a regular home dental hygiene routine. This should include brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-headed brush or an electric toothbrush with an oscillating head. Try to use toothpaste that does not contain harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate. Use dental tape to floss between your teeth and remove stuck foot particles. Finally, rinse your mouth at least twice a day with a natural, alcohol-free mouthwash.

What are you waiting for. Now that you are armed with this information start taking action now.