Parents naturally want the best for their kids, so it can be alarming to notice that one of their permanent teeth has started to feel loose. In many cases, that kind of movement doesn’t point to anything serious. Even so, it’s usually a good reason to schedule a visit with a dentist.
Permanent Teeth Aren’t Supposed to Feel Loose
There’s a common misconception that teeth naturally loosen as people get older. Gum tissue can recede with age, but that process typically shouldn’t affect how firmly a tooth is anchored in place. If you notice that your child’s adult teeth feel loose or have started to wiggle, it’s worth having a dentist take a look right away, since this can sometimes signal gum disease or another underlying dental condition.
What Can Make a Permanent Tooth Loosen
A number of factors can lead to a wiggling permanent tooth in children. Trauma to the mouth, teeth grinding, and gum disease are all potential culprits. Your child’s dentist can help pinpoint the cause and walk you through the available options for addressing it. Until that appointment happens, encourage your child to avoid hard foods and to leave the tooth alone so the situation doesn’t get worse.
Common Questions Parents Ask About Kids’ Teeth
Should a Wiggly Baby Tooth Be Pulled Out?
In most cases, it’s best to let a baby tooth come out on its own rather than pulling it, since the surrounding gum tissue may already be somewhat tender. It also helps to walk your child through what to expect when a tooth comes out, especially if they’ll be at school when it happens. A few points worth covering include the following:
- It’s a Normal Part of Growing Up: Having a few loose teeth at once is common, and each one will eventually fall out on its own.
- Swallowing Isn’t Usually a Worry: Most kids feel a tooth come loose before it actually falls out, so accidentally swallowing it typically isn’t a concern.
- The School Nurse Can Help: If a loose tooth becomes bothersome during the school day, the school nurse’s office is a good place to go for assistance.
- A Small Amount of Blood Is Expected: Seeing a little blood is normal, and gentle pressure with a tissue can take care of it.
- Keep the Tooth Safe: Store the tooth in a tissue or small bag until you’re able to bring it home.
To keep the conversation lighthearted, consider reading a book about losing teeth together, or check out the American Dental Association’s “Ask the Tooth Fairy” resource for more tips.
Why Do My Child’s Baby Teeth Have Gaps Between Them?
When baby teeth first come through the gumline, some spacing between them is completely normal. As more teeth come in, those gaps tend to close up on their own. If the spacing between your child’s teeth looks unusually wide, your child’s dentist will continue to monitor it and suggest ways to correct any problems as they come up. Bringing your child to the dentist early and often makes it easier to catch and address dental issues promptly, and it also gives them a chance to ask their own questions along the way.
Noticed a Wiggly Adult Tooth? Contact The Smile Architects
The team at The Smile Architects knows how worrying it can be to notice that your child has an adult tooth that seems loose. We’ll see your child as soon as possible and thoroughly evaluate the situation so we can help ease any concerns you might have and put together the best possible plan of care. Call our Huntersville, NC, office at 704-875-1621 to schedule an appointment today.