4 Causes of Tooth Loss or Loosening in Adults

Human beings get two sets of teeth in their lifetimes. The first is temporary, and those teeth are lost as children. The second set is supposed to last you a lifetime. Unfortunately, there are situations in which you can lose your permanent teeth. Depending on the circumstances, you may sometimes be able to restore a natural tooth. Otherwise, Brooklyn dental implants are a possible replacement option, along with bridges and dentures. Here are some of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults.

1. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a degenerative condition that causes the bones to become weaker. This can include the bones of the jaw. Since the jaw supports the teeth, the weakening of the bone due to osteoporosis can cause the teeth to loosen and sometimes fall out. If your doctor recommends medications called bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis, ask about the possibility of osteonecrosis. Find out if it is possible to receive this medication orally rather than intravenously, or tooth loss is more likely to be a side effect.

2. Trauma

The teeth and the tissue surrounding them can be damaged as a result of a forceful blow. This may occur due to a slip and fall, an automobile accident, a sports injury, a physical altercation. Whatever the cause, a trauma to the mouth and jaw can cause one or more teeth to loosen or fall out.

3. Periodontitis

Poor dental hygiene habits can lead to periodontitis. This is another name for infection and/or inflammation of the gum tissue. It results from plaque that builds up on the teeth and hardens into tartar. This can cause gaps between the gums and the teeth when the former pull away from the latter. The gapping can allow bacteria to get into the space between the teeth and gums.

Left unchecked, the bacterial infection can cause the tissue and bone that supports the teeth to break down. You should look for signs of gum recession and changes to your bite, as well as bleeding when you brush your teeth and swelling, pain, and redness of your gums. If you notice symptoms such as these, you should see a dentist right away.

4. Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, many changes take place in the body due to fluctuating hormones. Hormonal changes can affect all parts of the body, even the mouth. As a result, teeth may feel loose during pregnancy. This usually resolves with the baby’s birth. However, any oral pain or other dental problems that arise during pregnancy should be evaluated by a dentist. Periodontitis is a risk factor for premature birth.