Having a loose tooth as a child is an exciting milestone to look forward to. However, when you are an adult, encountering this situation isn’t something to celebrate. There are various reasons that your tooth could be loose, including gum disease, tooth decay, and dental injuries. If you have a loose tooth, it’s important to act quickly. Here are the steps you should take.
See Your Dentist
Once you realize that your tooth is loose, give your dentist a call to schedule an emergency visit. The longer you go with your loose tooth, the less likely your dentist will be to save it. Do your best to be seen within 12 to 24 hours to maximize the probability of restoring your smile.
Avoid Wiggling Your Tooth
It may be tempting, but don’t wiggle your tooth with your tongue or fingers. If you play with it, you will only make the issue worse. Don’t chew on that side of your mouth and try not to touch it. Even if you think you will need to have your tooth extracted, you shouldn’t try to pull it out yourself. You’d be putting yourself at risk of infection.
Clean the Area
Don’t brush your wiggly tooth. You don’t want to loosen it further. Instead, make sure the area is clean by gently rinsing your mouth with warm water. This will help to wash away food particles and control bacteria buildup in the mouth.
Eat Carefully
Having a loose tooth doesn’t mean that you need to go hungry until you see the dentist. Don’t chew on the side of your mouth where the affected tooth is and stick to soft foods so that you don’t make the situation worse.
Don’t Tough the Root of Your Tooth
If your loose tooth falls out, you should pick it up by the crown and avoid all contact with the root. Gently rinse away and dirt or debris with water and place the tooth back in your socket. If you are unable to keep it in place, place it in your cheek or a container of milk and head to the dentist. Try your best to receive treatment within an hour.
If your tooth is loose, don’t panic! Use the steps listed above and give your dentist a call. By acting quickly, you will have a greater chance of restoring your smile!
About the Practice
At Sound Dentistry, we have a team of dentists, including a prosthodontist, periodontist, oral surgeon, and restorative dentist serving patients in the South Easton community. If you have a loose tooth, they’d be happy to help. For more information or to schedule a same-day appointment, visit our website or call (508) 299-5017.