Loose teeth can often occur as a result of gum disease. This happens when bacteria buildup causes gum inflammation and infection, which can weaken the bone and gums holding your teeth.
Other reasons for loose teeth can be accidents, grinding your teeth, weakened bones (like osteoporosis), not taking good care of your teeth, smoking, or certain medical issues. It’s important to see a dentist quickly for the right diagnosis and treatment, which might include a deep cleaning, antibiotics, splints or gum surgery.
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Treatment options
Treatments for loose teeth
Find out more about the treatments we use to fix loose teeth, and book at your nearest clinic.
Hygiene
Deep cleaning and gum health. From £135.
Available at Fleet Street · Notting Hill · Harrods · Manchester
Dental implants
Replaces a tooth that can’t be saved. From £2,500.
Available at Fleet Street · Notting Hill · Harrods · Manchester
Now Available
Loose tooth as an adult? What to do now
- Don’t wiggle it or try to pull it out. Pulling an adult tooth can snap the root and cause infection, and a tooth that could have been saved may be lost.
- Chew on the other side and stick to soft foods for now.
- Keep it clean. Brush gently around the tooth and rinse with warm salt water after meals.
- See a dentist the same day if the tooth was loosened by a knock or fall, or if there is pain, swelling, bleeding or pus.
- Otherwise, book an appointment within a few days. The sooner the cause is treated, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Can you tighten a loose tooth at home?
Not reliably. A tooth loosened by a minor knock can firm up on its own over a couple of weeks if the gum is healthy, but it should still be checked and may need a splint. Teeth loosened by gum disease will not tighten without professional treatment: good brushing and cleaning between the teeth help stop it getting worse, but they can’t remove the hardened tartar under the gum. Please don’t use glue or adhesive on a loose tooth, as it can trap bacteria and make things worse.
Stages of a loose tooth in adults
Dentists grade how loose a tooth is:
- Grade 1: slightly more movement than normal, often only noticeable when you press on it.
- Grade 2: the tooth moves side to side by up to about 1 mm.
- Grade 3: the tooth moves more than 1 mm, or can be pushed up and down.
Grade 1 and many grade 2 teeth can usually be saved. Grade 3 teeth are harder to save, which is why early treatment matters.
Why do adult teeth become loose?
Maintaining optimal oral health is crucial for stable teeth. Various factors can contribute to wobbly or loose teeth which are outlined below
Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate brushing, flossing and oral hygiene can lead to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria, causing gum disease (gingivitis) and eventually resulting in wobbly or loose teeth.
Severe Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, leading to infection spreading to the tooth-supporting ligaments of the teeth, making teeth wobbly.
Trauma or Injury
A direct blow to the mouth or face can damage the ligaments and tissues supporting teeth, causing them to become wobbly
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Persistent teeth grinding can exert excessive force and pressure, potentially making teeth wobbly over time.
Poor Nutrition
Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D, can weaken the gum and bones and compromise dental health, leading to wobbly teeth.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for gum disease, which, in turn, can result in wobbly teeth.
Social and Professional Impac
The self-consciousness stemming from a compromised smile can affect a person's social life and professional opportunities.
Can a loose tooth be saved?
Often, yes, especially if it is treated early. Treatment depends on the cause:
Gum disease
Gum disease (periodontitis) is the most common reason adult teeth become loose. A deep clean below the gum line removes the tartar and bacteria, the gums tighten, and the tooth can firm up. Regular hygiene visits then keep it stable. See our gum disease treatment page.
Splinting
A loose tooth can be bonded to its neighbours with a thin wire and tooth-coloured composite. This holds it steady while the gum and bone heal.
Injury
A tooth loosened by a knock is usually splinted for a few weeks. We check the nerve afterwards, as some injured teeth need root canal treatment later.
Grinding and bite problems
Clenching or grinding puts heavy pressure on teeth. A custom night guard and small adjustments to the bite can take the pressure off.
If the tooth can’t be saved
If a tooth is too loose to keep, we remove it gently and replace it, usually with a dental implant or a bridge. Read our guide to replacing missing teeth.
Loose crown or loose tooth?
Sometimes it is a crown that has come loose rather than the tooth itself. A loose crown can often be re-cemented, so keep it safe and book an appointment.
How to fix loose teeth
The approach to fixing loose teeth depends on the underlying cause of the problem. Loose teeth can be a result of various issues, including gum disease, trauma, teeth grinding, or other dental conditions. Here are general steps to address loose teeth
Treatment for Underlying Cause:
The specific treatment will depend on the cause of the loose teeth. Common treatments include:
Gum Disease
If gum disease is the culprit, the dentist may recommend deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), antibiotics, or surgical procedures to treat and stabilize the gums.
Trauma
If the looseness is due to physical injury, the dentist may splint the teeth, perform dental bonding, or recommend other appropriate treatments.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
For teeth grinding, a custom-made nightguard or splint may be suggested to protect the teeth from further damage.
Osteoporosis or Medical Conditions
If systemic health issues are contributing to loose teeth, it's essential to address and manage these conditions with the guidance of a medical professional.
Good Oral Hygiene:
Maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help prevent further dental issues.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes:
A balanced diet that is low in sugary foods and drinks can promote dental health. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also be beneficial.
How to fix loose teeth from gum disease?
Fixing loose teeth due to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, involves a combination of professional dental treatments and diligent at-home oral care. Here are the steps to address loose teeth caused by gum disease:
Professional Dental Treatment:
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
Your dentist or dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gumline.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
In advanced cases, you may require surgical treatment to reduce the depth of periodontal pockets and eliminate areas where bacteria can thrive.
Antibiotics
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, either oral or topical, to combat the infection and reduce inflammation.
Gum Grafting
In severe cases where gum recession has occurred, gum graft surgery may be necessary to restore lost gum tissue.
Tooth Splinting
Loose teeth can have a negative impact on social interactions and psychological well-being, affecting relationships and overall quality of life.
In cases of severely loose teeth, your dentist may stabilize them by splinting (attaching) them to adjacent teeth for support.
Ongoing Dental Care:
Regular Dental Check-ups
Visit your dentist regularly for follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Good Oral Hygiene
Maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums clean and free from plaque and bacteria.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
Make healthier dietary choices and quit smoking, as these factors can impact your gum health.
Lifestyle Modifications
Manage any underlying health conditions that contribute to gum disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
How to fix loose teeth with dental implants
When considering dental implants to fix loose teeth, there are several options available, including:
Traditional Dental Implants:
Individual dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace loose or missing teeth. This is a common approach for single-tooth replacement.
Implant-Supported Bridges:
Dental implants can support a bridge to replace multiple adjacent loose teeth, providing stability and preventing further tooth movement.
Implant-Supported Dentures:
Loose teeth or missing teeth can be replaced with implant-supported dentures, offering enhanced stability and function compared to traditional removable dentures.
All-on-Four Dental Implants:
The All-on-Four technique utilizes just four dental implants to provide support for a full arch of teeth, making it a cost-effective and efficient option for complete tooth replacement.
Pricing
How much does it cost to fix a loose tooth?
The cost depends on the cause, which we find at your first appointment. These are our current prices:
Free consultations · 0% finance over 24 months
Emergency assessment
£99
A tooth loosened suddenly or after an injury
Hygiene appointment
from£135
Early gum disease and keeping gums healthy
Gum disease treatment
Priced at your assessment
Deep cleaning for loose teeth caused by gum disease
Root canal treatment
from£450
An injured tooth with a damaged nerve
Extraction
from£275
A tooth that is too loose to save
Dental bridge
from£999
Replacing a lost tooth
Dental implant and crown
from£2,500
Replacing a lost tooth permanently
See every treatment and price on our pricing page.
Loose teeth questions
Why is my adult tooth loose?
The most common cause is gum disease, which slowly destroys the gum and bone holding the tooth. Other causes are an injury, grinding or clenching, and occasionally hormonal changes or medical conditions that affect the bone.
Can a loose tooth be saved?
Often, yes, especially if it is treated early. Deep cleaning for gum disease, splinting, or a night guard for grinding can all help a loose tooth firm up again.
Can a loose tooth tighten back up?
A tooth loosened by a minor knock can tighten on its own over a few weeks if the gums are healthy. A tooth loosened by gum disease needs professional treatment before it can firm up.
How can I tighten a loose tooth at home?
You can’t reliably tighten a loose tooth at home. Keep it clean, chew on the other side and avoid wiggling it, then see a dentist to treat the cause.
Is a loose tooth an emergency?
It is urgent if it was caused by an injury, or if there is pain, swelling, bleeding or pus. Otherwise, book an appointment within a few days.
Should I pull out a loose adult tooth?
No. Pulling out an adult tooth yourself can snap the root and cause infection, and you may lose a tooth that could have been saved. Let a dentist assess it first.
What are the stages of a loose tooth in adults?
Dentists grade loose teeth from 1 to 3: slight extra movement, movement of up to about 1 mm, and movement of more than 1 mm or up and down. The earlier the stage, the better the chance of saving it.
Can gum disease cause loose teeth?
Yes. Gum disease is the most common reason adults get loose teeth. Treating it with deep cleaning and good daily care can stop it getting worse and often helps teeth firm up.
How do dentists fix loose teeth?
By treating the cause: deep cleaning for gum disease, splinting the tooth to its neighbours, a night guard for grinding, and root canal treatment if an injury has damaged the nerve.
Can I use dental glue on a loose tooth?
No. Glue and adhesives are not designed for teeth, can trap bacteria under the gum and can make the problem worse. See a dentist instead.
My front tooth is loose. What can I do?
Avoid biting with it, keep it clean and book an appointment as soon as possible, the same day if it was knocked. Front teeth can often be splinted and saved.
What happens if a loose tooth can’t be saved?
We remove it gently and replace it, usually with a dental implant (from £2,500) or a bridge (from £999), so you aren’t left with a gap.
Start Your Smile Journey Today
At Rüh Dental, we do things differently. We call it the Rüh difference.
We believe in better than the traditional dentistry of yesteryear that’s left a legacy of fear and therefore neglect because of historic experiences.
Contact Us
Ruh Dental (Fleet Street) Limited (09473949), Ruh Dental (Notting Hill Gate) Limited (10288078) and Ruh Dental (Manchester) Limited (11669648) are registered in England. Registered office: 1st Floor Metropolitan House, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG.
