Measure the support
Gum pockets and bone levels show whether periodontal disease is undermining the tooth.
Loose Teeth & Bite Problems
A loose adult tooth is a warning. Finding the cause is the treatment.
Loose Teeth & Bite Problems
Why teeth loosen, and what we do about it
Periodontal disease is the most common cause of loose teeth: as bone support erodes, teeth begin to move. But clenching and grinding can loosen teeth too, through sheer mechanical force on the bite. The right treatment depends entirely on the cause.
Dr. Sharon determines what’s driving the problem. If it’s bone loss, periodontal treatment stabilizes the foundation. If it’s occlusal trauma from grinding, a custom occlusal guard can relieve and manage the forces, protecting your teeth while they stabilize.
Signs worth acting on
- A tooth that moves or feels different when chewing
- Teeth shifting or new gaps appearing
- Morning jaw soreness or worn-looking teeth
- Gum recession around a loose tooth
Finding the cause
Three checks that find the answer
Check your bite
Wear patterns and jaw symptoms reveal clenching or grinding forces at work.
Treat the driver
Bone loss gets periodontal treatment. Grinding gets a custom occlusal guard. Some patients need both.
From the Learning Center
About Gum Disease
Gum disease is the most common reason adult teeth loosen. Learn the warning signs before a tooth starts to move.
Read the guide →