A little bit of give is normal in healthy adult teeth, but you may be shocked to discover one day that one or more of your teeth feels loose and wobbly. Although this problem is typically not serious, it can indicate underlying health issues that must be treated before further damage occurs, and you should contact your dentist for a professional opinion as quickly as possible. These are four common causes that could be behind your loose teeth, as well as how they can be corrected. 

Tooth Clenching and Grinding

Over half of all adults clench or grind their teeth at night-- a condition known as bruxism. Clenching your jaw while asleep often leads to symptoms such as headaches and a sore neck, but it can also weaken the periodontal ligaments that hold your teeth in place. As a result, you might notice that your teeth feel looser in the morning and tighten back up throughout the day. Relaxing your muscles and sleeping with dental appliances can help relieve bruxism and stop the stress on your ligaments. 

Injury to Your Tooth

While bruxism causes gradual deterioration to most of your teeth, a sudden knock to your mouth can have the same effect in just a few moments. If you are lucky, your periodontal ligaments will flex instead of snap, leaving your tooth loose but still safely attached to your gums. The ligaments should eventually repair themselves, but it's a good idea to visit your dentist anyways to check for any potential complications. 

Bite Imbalance

The way your teeth fit together when your mouth is closed can have a drastic impact on your dental health and comfort. Bite alignment may not seem important, but even a slight change is enough to cause headaches and difficulty chewing. If the misalignment is pronounced, it stretches the periodontal ligaments similar to the effect of grinding your teeth. Surgery and orthotics can improve your bite, fixing the problem once and for all.

Gum Disease

Another common cause of wiggly teeth is periodontitis, or gum disease. Periodontitis is a pervasive gum infection that slowly destroys the tissue of your gums, causing them to peel away from your teeth over time. Blood on your floss or toothbrush is typically the first sign of gum disease, along with tender gums, bad breath and general poor health. It is possible to reverse the deterioration of your gums through aggressive treatment and better dental hygiene, so don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist, like those at Guerra Dental, today. 

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