Share:

While kids may be excited upon finding a loose tooth, the same discovery can be alarming for an adult with permanent teeth. Fortunately, knowing a few useful do’s and don’ts about loose teeth can help keep the problem from worsening until you can get the care you need from a dentist to preserve your smile.

Do: 

Watch what you eat. 

When you have a loose tooth, you don’t want to aggravate the area by eating hard, chewy, or sticky foods that may displace it even further. Instead, change your diet to foods that are soft and very easy to chew, like yogurt, oatmeal, or soup with softened vegetables. 

See a Dentist as Soon as Possible. 

dentistThe sooner you visit your dentist, the more likely it is your tooth can be saved. Dentists will start by carefully examining the tooth—including the underlying anatomy and the current condition—to try and determine a cause for the looseness. Depending on the seriousness of the issue, your dentist may recommend splinting the tooth to give it time to heal, performing a root canal, or removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant if it is too badly damaged. 

Don’t: 

Play with the tooth. 

It may be difficult but resist the urge to play with your loose tooth, especially with your tongue. Instead, touch it as little as possible and try not disturbing the tooth in any way that isn’t completely necessary, such as gentle tooth brushing. 

Neglect oral hygiene. 

While it can be tempting to suspend your normal oral hygiene routine until your tooth is repaired, it’s smart to continue to keep your smile clean by brushing and flossing your other teeth. Rinse your mouth gently and follow your dentist’s orders regarding any aftercare instructions. 

 

If you feel a loose tooth or have questions about any dental concern, don’t hesitate to reach out to the dentists at BridgeView Dental Group. With a commitment to comprehensive dental care, these experienced professionals can assist with everything from routine checkups and orthodontics to emergency dental care. To find out more about their practice, visit their website or give their office a call at (907) 486-3257.

tracking