When you have a loose tooth as a child, it is a milestone to be excited about. However, when you are an adult, this situation is quite the opposite. There are various reasons why your tooth could be loose, including gum disease, tooth decay, and dental injuries. If you have a loose tooth, it’s important that you act quickly for a chance of saving it. 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 urgent appointment. The longer that 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 your probability of restoring the health of your tooth.
Don’t Wiggle 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 the side of your mouth and try not to touch it. Even if you think you need to have your tooth extracted, you shouldn’t try to put it out yourself. You’d be increasing your 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 helps to wash away food particles and control bacteria buildup in the mouth.
Eat Carefully
When you have a loose tooth, this doesn’t mean that you need to go hungry until you see your dentist. Don’t chew on the side of the mouth where the affected tooth is and stick to soft foods, so you don’t make the situation worse.
Don’t Touch the Root of Your Tooth
If your loose falls out, you should pick it up by the crowns and avoid all contact with the root. Gently rinse away dirt and debris with water and place it back in the socket. If you aren’t able to keep it in place, put 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 the best chance of saving your tooth.
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Baldelli earned his dental doctorate at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine graduating with honors. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Thode Island Dental Association, and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Honor Society. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (401) 847-7662.