Reviewed By Dr. Robert Barron, DMD
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Adult teeth should feel stable and secure. When one starts to move or ache, it usually points to an underlying issue affecting the gums, bone, or bite. Identifying the cause early is important to protect both the tooth and your overall oral health.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Loose teeth are a warning sign that the supporting gums, bone, or bite are compromised. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to protect long-term oral health.
7 Reasons Why Your Teeth May Feel Loose
When teeth start to feel loose, it usually means the structures that hold them in place are under strain. The most common causes include:
1. Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Severe gum disease breaks down the bone and tissues that support your teeth. As the foundation weakens, teeth can loosen, feel sore, and become more sensitive. When left untreated, gum disease is the most common reason adults lose teeth.
2. Bone Loss in the Jaw
When the jawbone weakens, teeth lose the support they need to stay secure. This can happen if a tooth is lost and not replaced with a dental implant, with conditions like osteoporosis, or from long-term oral health issues. As bone breaks down, teeth may loosen or shift out of place.
3. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
When you grind or clench at night, the constant pressure strains the teeth, gum tissue, and surrounding bone. This stress can slowly loosen teeth, wear down tooth enamel, and create tooth pain or sensitivity in the jaw joint and muscles. Wearing a night guard or mouth guard protects teeth and preserves oral health.
4. Dental Trauma or Injury
A direct blow, such as a fall or sports accident, can stretch or tear the ligaments that anchor a tooth. Even if the tooth does not fall out, it may remain loose, sore, or unstable. Trauma may also chip enamel or cause hidden root fractures, which sometimes require a root canal or extraction followed by a dental implant.
5. Dental Abscess or Infection
An untreated cavity can spread infection deep into the tooth and surrounding bone. The abscess creates pus and inflammation, which weaken support and cause throbbing tooth pain. If not treated quickly, the infection may spread further, sometimes requiring root canal therapy or extraction or drainage of pus from infection.
6. Poorly Aligned Bite (Occlusal Trauma)
If your upper and lower teeth do not meet evenly, some teeth take more force than they should. Over time, this overload wears down the bone and ligaments holding the tooth, making it feel loose or sore when chewing. Bite correction and regular dental checkups help prevent ongoing damage.
7. Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy, menopause, and certain medical conditions can alter hormone levels that affect gum tissue and bone. These changes may cause temporary mobility, but if underlying periodontal disease is also present, the risk of permanent damage increases. Routine dental cleanings and consistent oral hygiene practices are critical during these times.
How Can an Oral Surgeon Help?
Not every loose tooth is an emergency, but when the problem involves bone, infection, or trauma, an oral surgeon is the right specialist to consult. Using advanced imaging, Dr. Barron can identify the underlying cause and determine whether the tooth can be saved or if surgical care is needed.
If bone has been lost, procedures such as bone grafting may help restore support. When a tooth cannot be saved, an oral surgeon can remove it safely and replace it with a dental implant to maintain function and prevent further bone loss. The goal is always to protect your oral health and restore stability to your smile.
Schedule a Consultation in Vaughan, ON
Loose or shifting teeth should never be ignored. At Concord Oral Surgery, Dr. Robert Barron provides expert evaluation and surgical solutions that address the root cause and restore long-term stability. Whether you need bone grafting, a tooth extraction, or dental implant placement, you will receive care tailored to your situation.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, ON, call (905) 669-2616. We are located at 3300 Highway 7 West, Suite 805 Vaughan, ON.
FAQs
Why do my teeth feel loose?
Teeth may feel loose when the gums, bone, or supporting ligaments are weakened. Common causes include gum disease, bone loss after a missing tooth, teeth grinding, injury, infection, or bite problems. In some cases, hormonal changes can also play a role.
How do I tighten a loose tooth at home?
There is no safe way to permanently tighten a loose tooth at home. While gentle brushing, saltwater rinses, or wearing a mouthguard for grinding can reduce strain, only a dental professional can address the underlying cause. Attempting home fixes without diagnosis can make the problem worse.
Where can I find an oral surgeon near me?
If you are searching for an oral surgeon near you in Vaughan or the Greater Toronto Area, Concord Oral Surgery provides advanced care for complex dental issues, including loose teeth, dental implants, and bone grafting. Dr. Robert Barron offers expert diagnosis and treatment tailored to your needs.
