Loose baby teeth are normal, but when permanent ones are in question, the issue is something problematic. Baby teeth eventually go away, but permanent ones do not. That is why losing permanent teeth indicates an oral disease that needs attention. Ignoring a loose tooth still attached and hanging is not something easily ignored.
Continue with this blog if you are in a situation where the tooth is loose yet attached with the gum from some part. We have detailed some common reasons for partially latched teeth and treatment for this problem.
Reasons for Having an Attached Loose Tooth
As far as adults are concerned, there is always a reason for a tooth loosening its grip. It may be because of gum disease or excessive grinding, which makes the attached tooth loose. There are various causes, some of which are discussed below:
1. Injury
After an accident, it is fairly common to have a loose tooth; it may stay attached or fall right off after the impact.
Treatment
The dentist decides whether to extract your tooth or provide some pain relief method. However, if your dentist decides to get rid of the tooth, do not panic; dental implants are there to fix your perfect smile.
2. Gum Disease
Having a good mouth cleaning habit is very important. If you are reckless, plaque or tartar will accumulate, making the tooth loosely attached. You may feel it jiggling during brushing and flossing when removing tartar from the teeth without a dentist’s help or during tongue movement.
Plaque buildup turns into gingivitis that worsens into periodontal disease. This condition shows an effect on the gum tissue, which makes the tooth loose while being partially attached. Gum diseases such as gingivitis are common among people who do not have a good oral cleaning regime.
Treatment
Tartar or plaque removal is not possible without a dentist’s help. Professional deep dental cleaning is recommended every 6 months for good oral health.
If the hanging tooth issue progresses into something grave like periodontal disease or gingivitis, the dentist opts for scaling or root planing, flap surgery, or bone grafts.
3. Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, scientifically called bruxism, is a condition in which the affected individual unconsciously grinds teeth. This continuous teeth grinding or clenching puts extra pressure making them loosely attached to the jawbone.
Treatment
Currently, a cure for bruxism is not available, but a mouthguard is fit for teeth protection. Mouthguard material is durable enough to bear the pressure.
4. Pregnancy and Menopause
Women go through hormonal changes all their lives, especially during menopause or pregnancy. This not only affects their health physically but also makes changes in dental well-being. Estrogen and progesterone levels are high during gestation, which makes the jaw bone lose its strength.
On the other hand, a woman in her menopause phase makes less estrogen making the tooth lose its density.
Treatment
Changes during pregnancy are reversible, so there is no worrying there. However, hormone replacement therapies are available to use during menopause to alleviate symptoms.
5. Receding Gums
When gum recession occurs, it makes tooth loose with exposed roots; they become loose and hang while being partly attached.
Treatment
A soft tissue graft is the best treatment to go for this issue. In this procedure, your dentist will fill the receded area. Mostly, tissue from the mouth’s roof is taken and placed.
Conclusion
If your tooth is loose, partly attached, and hanging, book an appointment with your dentist immediately. If you live in Richmond or in the vicinity and are looking for dentistry options, head to Mission Bend Family Dentistry for your treatment; call now at 832 895 5110 to fix an appointment.