General Dentistry Tips for Dealing With a Loose Tooth

A loose tooth is not something that anyone wants to deal with as an adult. Thankfully, general dentists are trained and equipped to know what to do when a patient experiences a loosened tooth. 

Adult teeth can become loose as a result of an infection in the oral cavity. More often than not, this is due to bacteria in the gums. Because the gums are responsible for holding the teeth in place, it is crucial that they remain healthy. If an infection is present, it can cause the gum tissue and the roots of the teeth to deteriorate, thus leading to looseness. Additionally, teeth can become loose as a result of an injury. For example, contact sports often lead to facial injuries that cause dental problems. If this is the case, it is very important to know what to do. 

With the help of a general dentist, a loose tooth can be addressed. However, if it is not possible to immediately visit the dentist, there are a few things that should be considered and followed. Keep reading to find out more!

What to do with a loose tooth

Below is an overview of what a general dentist recommends to do when a tooth is loose. This information is critical to review as it can be helpful later on.

Avoid certain foods

The most important tip to follow when suffering from a loose tooth is to avoid foods that could cause the tooth to fall out or become looser. Items such as meat with bones, sticky candies, or chewy jerky should all be avoided as the end result could lead to the need for even more dental work. 

Instead, gently consume soft foods or beverages that will not harm the loose tooth. Even still with these items, it is necessary to be extra careful when chewing and swallowing. 

Another thing that general dentists note about food is to avoid extremely sugary or acidic foods. While there may not be immediate results from consuming these with a loose tooth, it can ultimately harm the health of it even more. 

Rinse with saltwater

Saltwater is a natural way to clean the entire oral cavity. Warm water and salt mixed together can help disinfect the mouth, which kills bacteria. In the case of a loose tooth, saltwater can get rid of anything harmful and help tighten the tooth back up into the gums. A general dentist typically recommends rinsing at least six or seven times carefully. 

Avoid touching the tooth

General dentists also highly advise against touching the loose tooth. While it can feel necessary to determine the severity, it is better not to as this can do more damage. If a loose tooth is noticed, it is advised to immediately carefully confirm that it is loose then avoid touching it thereafter. 

Take an over-the-counter medication

When a tooth is loose as a result of an injury, there may be some discomfort or pain. This happens because the roots are likely affected. On the same hand, when a tooth is so infected that it is becoming loose in its socket, there may be pain as well. This is often referred to as a toothache, which happens quite frequently when a tooth is infected. 

In either case, taking an over-the-counter pain medication might be helpful in dealing with the discomfort. It can also help in reducing swelling and inflammation that may occur from an injury or infection. Of course, this should be taken in moderation and with fluids. 

Visit the general dentist immediately

When experiencing a loose tooth, it is crucial to visit the general dentist as soon as possible. Of course, the tips that are listed above can be helpful, but the general dentist will be able to perform the necessary procedure to take care of the tooth. One of the most popular ways that this is done is through a splint or flap surgery. 

As far as preventing a tooth from becoming loose, it is a good idea to avoid foods that could dislodge it, such as sticky, chewy, or extremely hard items. Additionally, when doing anything physically involved, it is advised to wear a mouthguard to avoid injury to the oral cavity, which could result in dislodgement or looseness. 

To find out more about what to do with a loose tooth, reach out today. Additionally, if you are experiencing a loose tooth, make an appointment immediately. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.oakbrookdentist.com or call Metcalf Dental at (630) 203-9779 for an appointment in our Oak Brook office.

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