What to Do If You Have a Loose Permanent Tooth
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When you were a child and first discovered that your tooth was loose, you were probably over the moon! You felt the same way when your child lost their first tooth. However, now that your tooth is loose, this isn’t nearly as exciting. There are all sorts of reasons why an adult tooth could be loose, including periodontal disease, tooth decay, and injuries to the mouth. If you act quickly, your emergency dentist in Hartford may still be able to save it. Continue reading to learn which steps you should take if you have a loose permanent tooth.
See Your Emergency Dentist
You should give your dentist a call in order to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The longer you go with your loose tooth, the harder it could be for your dentist to save it. You should try to receive treatment within 12 to 24 hours to give your dentist the best chance of restoring your smile to health.
Don’t Wiggle the Tooth
It may be tempting, but don’t wiggle around your loose tooth with your tongue. If you play with it, it will only make the issue worse. Don’t chew on it or touch it either. Even if you think that your dentist will need to extract it, you shouldn’t try to pull it out yourself. This can increase your risk of developing an infection.
Clean the Area
You shouldn’t brush your wiggly tooth because you could end up making it even more loose. However, you still want to be sure that the area is clean. Instead of using your toothbrush and toothpaste, rinse the area with warm water. This will help to wash away particles from the loose tooth and control bacterial buildup.
Eat Carefully
If you have a loose tooth, this doesn’t mean that you cannot eat. Just be careful not to chew on the side of your mouth where the loose tooth is. Stick to softer foods as well, like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and apple sauce. Avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods.
Don’t Touch the Root of Your Tooth
If your tooth ends up falling out before you can get to the dental office, you should only touch it by the crown, or chewing surface, of the tooth. You don’t want to cause any additional damage to the root of your tooth. Rinse away any dirt and debris with water and place the tooth back into the socket. If you cannot keep it there, place it in your cheek or a glass of milk (not water). You will need to get to the dentist within an hour to increase the chances of saving your tooth.
A loose tooth needs to be seen by a dentist right away. When you act quickly and get to the dental office as soon as you are able, you can increase the chances of saving it!
About the Author
Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski is an experienced dentist who has been practicing dentistry for about 20 years. After spending four years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, he earned his dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He is affiliated with numerous professional dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, Connecticut Dental Association, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. If you have a loose tooth, he would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (860) 563-4544.