What Is Tooth Mobility, and How Is It Treated?

May 9, 2023

Tooth mobility is essentially what happens when a tooth becomes loose. Permanent teeth are not meant to be loose, so tooth mobility is always a cause for concern. However, if you have noticed one or more of your teeth are loose, what could have caused this to happen, and how can it be treated? Here, we explore more about tooth mobility, how it happens, and how your dentist may correct the issue.

Potential Causes of Tooth Mobility

There are many potential causes of tooth mobility. Some of the most common include:

Periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease can cause an infection and inflammation around the ligaments that help hold the teeth in place. As a result, gaps can form between the teeth and healthy gum tissue, which can cause tooth mobility [1].
Tooth injury. An injury to the teeth can cause tooth mobility. This may be an impact to the face from a sports injury or car accident, or even a fall.
Bruxism. Bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, puts immense pressure on the teeth that can cause gum inflammation and loose teeth over time.
Osteoporosis. A condition in which bones can become weak, osteoporosis can impact the health of alveolar bone, the bone that surrounds your teeth, which may cause teeth to become loose and increase the risk of tooth loss [2].

Now that you know what may be causing your tooth mobility, let’s look at how your dentist might treat your loose teeth.

Treatments Available for Loose Teeth

If you have loose teeth, your dentist will begin by examining your smile for signs of gum disease or tooth decay that could impact a tooth’s health and strength. If any underlying signs of disease are found, these will need to be corrected to remedy the existing tooth mobility.

For example, if you have tooth decay, a filling, root canal therapy, or dental crown may be necessary to stabilize the tooth. However, if you have gum disease, a deep cleaning (also called a root planing and scaling) will typically be the first line of treatment.

Underlying conditions impacting tooth mobility, such as osteoporosis, will need to be treated before the teeth can effectively stabilize. Your dentist may take measures in the meantime to protect your teeth and advise you on best practices, such as eating softer foods.

An injured tooth due to trauma or bruxism will need to be stabilized differently. For example, if a tooth has been knocked loose, your dentist may use a splint to stabilize the tooth until it heals [3]. In cases of bruxism, a splint or mouthguard may be necessary to protect the teeth from becoming more mobile.

Are You Experiencing Tooth Mobility?

In many cases, tooth mobility can be successfully treated. If you’re experiencing tooth mobility, don’t wait to see your dentist. You may be able to save your teeth with the right intervention, which can eliminate the need for tooth replacement. Ask your dentist about your tooth mobility and what could be causing it today!