Can I Save a Loose Tooth? A Detailed Guide

Dental Implants
A dentist examining a patient with a loose tooth

by Malavi Sivakanesan • 4 February 2025 • 5 min read

Although loose teeth issue is associated with children (because they have milky ones), adults can also experience it due to different reasons. When an adult gets a loose tooth, he or she often asks can it be saved? Since it shows signs of poor oral health or underlying disease, the issue must be addressed promptly. If you are noticing redness, gum or tooth pain, bleeding, swelling, or gum recession, you should instantly visit your dentist as they are early symptoms of a loose tooth.

What are the Common Reasons for a Loose Tooth?

When you visit your dentist, they will thoroughly examine the condition to decide whether gum treatments or any other solution is needed. In general, a loose tooth can be a result of the following:

  • Gum disease: Also known as periodontitis, it is the most common cause of a loose tooth. Can you save a tooth that is loose? The answer is definitely yes as your dentist with treat the infection and inflammation of your gums.
  • Plaque: This can pull away your teeth from the gums and form significant gaps. These gaps will lead to bacterial infections and ultimately a loose tooth.
  • Teeth grinding: Some people clench their teeth when they are in deep sleep or have excessive stress. This habit can put pressure on the roots and cause tears in the tissues holding the teeth.
  • Injury or trauma: Face or dental injuries often result in damage or fracture in the jawbone. When the jawbone is not in the right condition, it will affect the roots and grip of your teeth.
  • Poor dental hygiene: Be it a loose tooth or any other oral problem, poor oral hygiene is the biggest cause. If you do not maintain the right hygiene levels, it will ultimately rapture the enamel of your teeth, increase bacterial build-up, and weaken your gums, resulting in a loose tooth.
  • Hormonal changes: In certain conditions such as pregnancy, your body hits a different level of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. This can lead to loose bones and ligaments around the teeth, causing a loose tooth.
  • Osteoporosis: This condition leads to less dense bones that are more prone to fractures. This means when you are affected by these conditions, chances are higher that you will hurt your jawbone and bones around the teeth.

Can I Save a Loose Tooth with Home Remedies?

Although consulting a dentist is the best solution such as a root canal in London, nonetheless, you can have the following remedies to maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent losing of a tooth:

  • Brush teeth twice a day.
  • Use flossing and mouthwash after every meal to prevent bacterial build-up.
  • For carbonated drinks, use a straw.
  • Opt for a calcium-rich (eggs, fish, green leafy veggies, etc.) and balanced diet.
  • Use hydrogen peroxide to remove bacteria or microbes causing plaque, cavities, etc.
  • Gargle with saltwater for a deep cleaning.
  • Massage with a mix of black pepper and turmeric to prevent enamel damage.
  • Do not consume or reduce the consumption of acidic drinks.
  • Prevent dryness in the mouth by drinking enough water.
  • Use fluoride-based toothpaste.
  • Replace sugar-based gums with sugar-free ones.

What are the Dental Treatments to Prevent a Loose Tooth?

Alongside basic home care, you may be advised to have some treatments to strengthen a loosened tooth. Below are some popular dental treatments for this condition:

  • Root planning and scaling: When a tooth is loosening due to gum disease, you will be offered gum treatments such as scaling for deep cleaning.
  • Surgery: When the condition is severe, you may need a surgical process. Through this, tissues from the inflamed gums will be removed.
  • Grafting: Sometimes, orthodontists suggest tissue or bone grafting to provide additional support to the damaged teeth. In many cases, a damaged tooth can it be saved with this procedure.
  • Dental tools: To fix the issue, dentists can also offer dental tools or appliances such as splints to reduce the damage caused by teeth grinding.
  • Medications: When you only have bacterial infections or the initial stage of the loose tooth, further damage can easily be prevented through certain medications.

Ultimately

Please remember that all treatments including root canal in London depend on the severity and underlying causes. So, before you try anything, it is better to consult with a specialist first. For this, you can schedule your dental check at Complete Smiles.

Photo of Malavi Sivakanesan

Malavi Sivakanesan

Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.