Adult teeth start arriving around the age of six or seven. By the time you are twenty-one, you will have a full set of adult teeth. These need to be taken care of as they have to last you the rest of your life. IT is worth noting that recent research has confirmed your oral health is connected to your overall health, that’s a second good reason to look after your teeth!
The process starts with brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. You will also need to see a reputable dentist, such as this dentist St Leonards, to ensure any issues are caught and dealt with early. This is particularly important when you discover you have a loose tooth.
There are several common reasons for loose teeth:
Trauma
One of the most common reasons to have a loose tooth is trauma. This when you have had an accident and it has jarred your tooth, making it loose in the socket.
You will need to see your dentist or visit the emergency ward to get help with your tooth. They will be able to assess the injury and strengthen the tooth without having to remove it.
You should note that if your tooth is knocked out it should be kept in a bag of ice or milk and the dentist should be able to reattach it.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can be spotted by your dentist and shouldn’t get to the point that it makes your tooth loose. Gum disease occurs when infection builds up at the gum line, usually hidden by plaque and tartar in your mouth. This will make your gums inflamed ad they will start to recede. The bacteria can also attack the bone under your tooth, resulting in it being wakened.
Your dentist will give you a course of antibiotics and an antimicrobial mouthwash to eliminate the infection and then deal with the loose tooth for you.
Vitamin Deficiencies
You may be surprised to discover that a lack of the right vitamins can weaken bones and teeth. The most important substances are calcium and fluoride. But, you can also weaken your bones if you don’t get enough vitamin D.
Consider how much sunlight you get and what you eat, if necessary you can take a vitamin D supplement.
Grinding
Grinding your teeth wears them down and can cause them to ache as they are constantly under pressure. The pressure of your teeth pushing against each other can also cause them to move slightly in their sockets. Over time this will progress and your tooth will become loose.
Pregnancy
You should be aware that being pregnant can send vitamins and minerals to the baby and leave areas of your body deprived. This is most often noticed in your mouth as gums start to recede and teeth become loose. Sometimes this issue sorts itself out after the birth.
In all situations, you need to see your dentist and have the cause of the loose tooth evaluated. They can then guide you through the most appropriate treatment process and help you to keep your teeth into old age.
