You may remember being excited as a child when your teeth became wiggly, but this certainly isn’t the case as an adult. Believe it or not, loose teeth are actually one of the most common dental emergencies and can have many different causes. They include injuries, periodontal disease, and severe tooth decay. If you notice that one of your adult teeth is wiggly, it’s important that you act quickly so you don’t loose it for good! Here are some steps that you should take to resolve a loose tooth.
See Your Dentist
As soon as you notice that your tooth is loose, schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist immediately. The faster that you are able to get in, the sooner they will be able to figure out what needs to be done. You should try to receive treatment within 12 to 24 hours in order to maximize your dentist’s chances of saving your tooth.
Don’t Move It Around
You should avoid moving around your tooth. If it is already wiggly, playing and fiddling with it is only going to make the issue worse. Do your best not to touch or chew on your tooth. Even if you think you will have the tooth pulled once you get to the dentist, you certainly shouldn’t do it yourself. You will only increase your risk for infection.
Keep It Clean
Don’t brush your wiggly tooth because you could loosen it further. However, you still need to keep your mouth clean until you can receive dental treatment. To do this, rinse your mouth with warm water. This will wash away particles from the loose tooth and help to reduce bacteria buildup in the mouth.
Eat Carefully
Just because your tooth is loose does not mean that you shouldn’t be eating. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the wiggly tooth is located. Stay away from sticky treats like taffy, chewy foods like raisins, and hard snacks like nuts. Try to stick to softer things like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and applesauce.
Only Touch the Crown of Your Tooth
If your tooth falls out, you should pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the root all together. Gently rinse away any dirt and debris with water and place it back into the socket. If you are unable to keep it in its rightful place, place it in your cheek or a glass of milk. At this point, you will need to get to the dentist within an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth.
No matter how your tooth has become loose, it is crucial that you seek dental attention right away. When you act quickly and get to the dental office, your dentist will be able to do everything they can to restore your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Salvaggio is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for over two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry before being awarded a prestigious one-year residency program at Sunnybrook Hospital. He is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. If you have a loose tooth, he would be happy to help you out. For more information or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit his website or call +1 289-569-0721.