What is what to do when tooth is loose?

Okay, here's information about what to do when a tooth is loose, in markdown format with links to relevant "wikiwhat" pages:

What to Do When a Tooth is Loose

A loose tooth can be alarming, but the appropriate action depends on the cause and the person's age. Here's a breakdown:

Loose Baby Teeth (Deciduous Teeth)

If a child's baby tooth is loose, it's usually a natural part of the shedding process.

  • Encourage Natural Wiggling: Encourage the child to gently wiggle the tooth with their tongue or fingers. This helps loosen it further.
  • Avoid Forceful Pulling: Don't force the tooth out. Let it come out naturally to avoid unnecessary pain and bleeding.
  • Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to maintain good oral hygiene, even around the loose tooth. This includes brushing gently and flossing. See more about good <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/oral%20hygiene">oral hygiene</a>.
  • Dealing with Discomfort: If the loose tooth is causing significant discomfort, a soft diet may help.
  • If it lingers: If the tooth is extremely loose and irritating for a prolonged time or you are worried, consult a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/pediatric%20dentist">pediatric dentist</a>.

Loose Adult Teeth (Permanent Teeth)

A loose adult tooth is a serious concern and requires prompt attention from a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/dentist">dentist</a>. It is rarely normal and could indicate an underlying dental problem.

  • See a Dentist Immediately: Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the lower the chances of saving the tooth.
  • Possible Causes: Loose adult teeth can be caused by:
    • <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/gum%20disease">Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)</a>: This is the most common cause. Gum disease weakens the bone and tissues that support the teeth.
    • Injury/Trauma: A blow to the mouth can loosen a tooth.
    • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Chronic grinding can put excessive force on teeth, leading to loosening.
    • Osteoporosis: This bone-weakening disease can also affect the jawbone.
  • What to do before the appointment:
    • Handle with care: Avoid wiggling the tooth excessively.
    • Soft Foods: Eat soft foods to minimize pressure on the loose tooth.
    • Pain Relief: If you experience pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
    • Good Oral Hygiene: Gently brush and floss around the loose tooth, being careful not to irritate the area further. Consider using an antiseptic <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/mouthwash">mouthwash</a>.
  • Possible Treatments: Treatment will depend on the cause. It may include:
    • Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): To remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line (for gum disease).
    • Bone Grafting: To rebuild bone lost due to gum disease.
    • Splinting: To stabilize the loose tooth by attaching it to adjacent teeth.
    • Night Guard: To protect teeth from grinding.
    • Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted.