A loose adult tooth is a sign that something is affecting the gum, bone or ligament that holds it in place, most often an injury, gum disease, grinding or an infection. If the tooth became loose after a knock, see a dentist the same day. If it has loosened slowly over weeks or months, book an appointment soon, and avoid wiggling it in the meantime.
Adult teeth are designed to move only very slightly under pressure, so any movement you can feel is worth having checked. Many can be firmed up again when the cause is found early.
This article explains the common causes, what you can do at home and how a dentist can help. If you’re unsure how urgent your situation is, see our dental emergency guide.
When a loose tooth needs hospital care
Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if the tooth was loosened by a hard blow and you also have:
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling spreading to the eye, neck or floor of the mouth
- bleeding that won’t stop after 15–20 minutes of firm pressure
- teeth that no longer meet properly, numbness of the lip or chin, or a jaw that won’t open or close, which can mean a broken jaw
- a knock to the head with loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion
Out of hours, you can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 nurse advice about where to go.
What causes a loose adult tooth?
Injury
A fall, a sports knock or a bite on something hard can stretch or tear the ligament around the root, push the tooth out of position or crack the root below the gum. The tooth may sit higher or lower than its neighbours, look crooked or feel tender to bite on.
Gum disease
Periodontitis is the most common cause of teeth loosening slowly in adults. Plaque and tartar at the gumline cause long-term inflammation that gradually destroys the bone supporting the teeth. Other signs include bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums and gaps appearing between teeth. It often causes no pain until it is advanced.
Grinding and clenching
Heavy grinding or clenching, often during sleep, puts repeated force on the teeth. Over time this can widen the ligament space and make a tooth feel mobile, especially if the gums and bone are already weakened. You might also notice worn teeth or a sore jaw in the morning.
Infection
An abscess at the tip of a root or in the gum can damage the surrounding bone and make a tooth feel loose and raised. You may have throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste or a pimple on the gum. When the infection is treated, the tooth often firms up again.
Other causes
Some looseness is expected during orthodontic treatment. Less commonly, cysts or other conditions affecting the jaw bone can loosen teeth, which is one reason your dentist may take an X-ray.
What to do right now
- Leave it alone. Try not to wiggle the tooth with your tongue or fingers, as this can stretch the supporting tissues further.
- If the tooth has been pushed out of position after a knock, don’t force it back. Bite gently on a clean, folded cloth and see a dentist straight away.
- Eat a soft diet, chew on the other side and avoid hard or sticky foods.
- Keep the area clean. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and rinse with warm salty water after meals.
- For pain or swelling, hold ice wrapped in a cloth against the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed on the pack, may help if it’s safe for you.
If the tooth is very loose and you’re worried it could come out while you sleep, see a dentist urgently. If it does come out, keep it in milk and bring it with you.
How your dentist treats a loose adult tooth
Your dentist will ask what happened, check how much the tooth moves, test your bite and look at the gums. X-rays show the root and the bone around it. Our emergency dentist in North Sydney aims to see urgent problems as soon as possible, often on the same day. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:
- Splinting. A thin wire or fibre is bonded to the back of the loose tooth and its neighbours to hold it steady while the tissues heal, usually for a few weeks.
- Bite adjustment. Small changes to how the teeth meet can take pressure off a tooth that is being overloaded.
- Gum treatment. A thorough deep clean below the gumline removes the plaque and tartar driving gum disease, followed by review visits to check the gums are settling.
- A night guard. If grinding is a factor, your dentist may suggest a guard to wear while you sleep.
- Treating infection. Draining an abscess and root canal therapy can remove the source of infection so the bone can recover.
- Monitoring. After an injury, the nerve inside a tooth can be affected, so your dentist may check it over the following months.
If the tooth can’t be kept
Sometimes a tooth has lost too much support, or the root is fractured in a way that can’t be repaired. In that case, your dentist will discuss removing it and the options for filling the gap, such as a bridge or dental implants. Your dentist will explain the benefits, risks and likely costs of each option before anything is done.
Preventing loose teeth
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day.
- Have regular check-ups and cleans so gum disease can be picked up early. See our preventive dentistry options.
- Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard for contact sports, and mention any grinding to your dentist.
Patients in North Sydney who notice any change in how their teeth feel are welcome to call us for advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a loose tooth tighten back up?
Often, yes. A tooth loosened by a minor knock, an infection or grinding can firm up once the cause is treated and the tissues have time to heal. Teeth loosened by advanced gum disease may improve with treatment, but some lost bone does not grow back.
Is a loose adult tooth an emergency?
It is urgent if it happened after an injury, if the tooth has moved position, or if you have pain, swelling or a bad taste. A tooth that has loosened slowly without pain should still be checked soon, ideally within a week or two.
Should I wiggle a loose tooth?
No. Wiggling it can stretch the ligament further and make it harder to save. Leave it alone, chew on the other side and see a dentist.
Will a loose tooth need to be taken out?
Not usually. Many loose teeth can be kept with splinting, gum treatment or treating an infection. Removal is only considered when the tooth has lost too much support or the root is badly broken, and your dentist will explain the replacement options.
Need help now?
North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and keep time aside for urgent problems where we can. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.