Growing up, a visit from the tooth fairy was a cause for celebration. As an adult, however, a loose tooth is no laughing matter – after all, they’re called permanent teeth for a reason. But what should you do if the worst happens and a tooth feels like it’s about to fall out, head straight to the dentist or take matters into your own hands?

Fortunately, the answer is simple: You should never attempt to pull a permanent tooth on your own.

Most baby teeth eventually fall out on their own as they’re displaced by emerging adult permanent teeth, and in most cases there’s no need for parents to pull them out themselves. If your child wants help or you’re concerned they may try to pull the tooth out themselves, though, grasping a sufficiently loose tooth with a clean tissue and giving it a gentle squeeze and twist should do the trick. If the tooth seems as though it won’t come out easily, it’s time for a trip to your child’s dentist so that they can assess the situation and extract the tooth if needed.  

When it comes to adults, a loose tooth is never typical and always the result of a separate issue. Potential causes for a loose adult tooth include:

• Injury or trauma

• Excessive tooth grinding (bruxism)

• Gum disease (periodontitis)

• Pregnancy

If you notice that one of your teeth is loose, even if you’re not sure of the cause, schedule a dental visit as soon as possible. Waiting too long can easily result in complications like swelling, pain and infection. While in many cases, a tooth that’s become slightly loose due to pregnancy hormones, trauma or injury will heal on its own, it’s still important to get an expert opinion to determine if any underlying issues are contributing to or causing the dental problem. Ultimately, if it turns out that extraction is necessary, your dentist can ensure that the tooth is removed safely and without the host of health and safety risks that come with home removal.

If you notice any issues with your teeth, don't wait to reach out. From regular six-month cleaning and checkups to emergency extractions and dental care, Dental Image Therapy Centres is here to help. Booking an appointment is easy, just use the orange Book Online button to schedule your next visit.