Losing a tooth here and there when you’re a kid is expected. Baby teeth are falling out and in their place comes adult teeth. They were losing teeth as adults, though it is a much different experience. It can be worrying.
As an adult, if your teeth are falling out, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. An assessment by a dental specialist will be needed to determine what the cause is and how preventable future teeth loss is. If you have a loose tooth, there are many things to do. Start by improving dental hygiene and having a deep cleaning done.
For teeth that have already fallen out, have an assessment done to determine the cause. You may be recommended for dental implants or bridges, though this always depends on what’s most appropriate for the patient. An in-person dental assessment will ultimately provide you with a full glimpse into what’s going on and what options are available to you.
Here are signs your teeth are falling out and what to know:
Sign #1: Bad Breath
Bad breath that will not go away is a sign that you might have gum disease. Take a bad breath, without an explanation, as a sign that you’re at risk of tooth loss. The most common reason adult teeth fall out is gum disease, and one of the first signs is bad breath. If you have it, get it checked out. It might end up being nothing, but it could be something and, in many cases.
Sign #2: Facial Injury
A facial injury can happen to anyone. A fall or a blow to the face can cause adult teeth to chip, break, and loosen. In some cases, a loose tooth may take weeks or longer before falling out.
A tooth requires structural support to remain in place. It may feel wiggly while brushing, flossing, or eating after it’s detached from the bone and gum or partially detached. At some point, the tooth’s likely to fall out.
Sign #3: Grinding Or Clenching
Grinding and clenching your teeth is something many adults do voluntarily without noticing it happening. Over the years, this wears down the tissue to the point where teeth become loose. If left untreated, you’re likely to see some tooth loss and with that comes teeth shifting alongside other issues. A dentist can provide you with a mouthguard to avoid permanent damage from grinding and clenching.
Sign #4: Bleeding Gums
When you brush your teeth and you notice your gums bleed, this is a sign you could be at the beginning of a gum infection known as periodontitis. In time, this can cause tooth loss. Your gums shouldn’t be bleeding every day. Another cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis, which inflames your gums. Gingivitis is very treatable. Periodontitis requires a little more care. An assessment by a dental professional is needed to determine the next steps.
Sign #5: Sensitivity And Pain
Sharp pain in your teeth could be a sign of tooth decay, exposed roots, a cracked tooth, or a filling that’s worn out. This sensitivity might be common when you eat, drink, or are exposed to cold temperatures. If you have some sensitivity, don’t be discouraged, though. Fortunately, all of these things are treatable—everyone. If you’re feeling any discomfort, get it examined. If you don’t, it could lead to tooth loss over time.
Sign #6: Loose, Shifting Teeth
Adult teeth do not continue to grow. They stop at a certain point and start to fall out just like they did when we were kids. If your teeth start to feel loose or if one has fallen out, a dental professional must look at what’s going on. Just because one tooth’s fallen out doesn’t mean that’s the only one. It could mean your gums are compromised and require a more permanent, lasting solution.
Sign #7: Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that impacts a lot of older adults. It weakens bones in the body and makes them easier to break. This is most often seen in the hip, spine, and wrist bones, but osteoporosis can also impact the teeth.
If you combine this with certain medications, this can, unfortunately, lead to bone loss in the jaw and impact how teeth are anchored. This all further increases the likelihood of older adults experiencing tooth loss.
Sign #8: Pregnancy
Pregnancy does not cause teeth to fall out. However, it can cause loose teeth. It’s only temporary, though. There is no need to worry if you are pregnant and are feeling loose teeth. This is from changes in hormone levels impacting the periodontium, which is what supports the bones and ligaments in the mouth.
After your pregnancy is over, any issues should resolve on their own. If you’re worried, though, you can consult with a dentist to rule out other possible causes.
