What Should You Do as an Adult with a Loose Tooth?

Remember when you were little, and a loose tooth meant good news for your finances? Boy, things sure do change when you’re an adult. If you can wiggle a tooth nowadays, it seems worrisome. There are all sorts of reasons why an adult tooth could be loose, such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, or a dental injury. If you act quickly, your emergency dentist in Glendale still is able to save it. Continue reading to learn the steps you should take if you have a loose permanent tooth.

See Your Emergency Dentist ASAP

You should give your dentist a call to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The longer you go without addressing your loose tooth, the harder it could be for your dentist to save it. You should try to receive treatment in 24 hours or less to give your dentist the best chance of restoring your smile to full health.

Don’t Make the Situation Worse

It may be tempting but don’t wiggle your loose tooth with your tongue. If you do, it will only make the issue worse. Don’t chew with it or touch it with your fingers. Even if you think 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.

Hold Your Tooth by the Crown if It Falls Out

If your tooth ends up falling out before you can get to your dentist’s office, you should only touch it by the crown or chewing surface. You don’t want to cause any additional damage to the root. 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 need to see your dentist within an hour to increase the chances of saving your tooth.

Rinse to Ensure the Area Is Clean

You shouldn’t brush your wiggly tooth because you could end up making it even looser. However, you still want to be sure 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 accumulation.

Eat with Caution

If you have a loose tooth, it doesn’t mean you cannot eat. Just be careful not to chew on the side of your mouth where the loose tooth is. Stick to softer foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and apple sauce. Avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods.

When an adult has a loose tooth, it requires dental attention ASAP. Acting quickly to seek treatment from your emergency dentist increases your chances of saving it!

About the Practice

Dr. Ivan Chan, DDS, is a restorative dentist in Glendale dedicated to improving oral health and creating beautiful smiles. With a background in a family of dentists, he earned his degrees from UC San Diego and UC San Francisco, gaining expertise in various dental specialties. Passionate about giving back, Dr. Chan volunteers on mission trips, including serving with the US Navy’s USNS Mercy Hospital Ship and providing care in Mexico. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys basketball, breweries, and traveling, maintaining a balanced lifestyle for personal and professional growth. Schedule an appointment on his website, but if it’s an emergency, call 818-243-3838.

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