(770) 424-4565
What Does It Mean When Adult Teeth Feel Loose?, Marietta

What Does It Mean When Adult Teeth Feel Loose?

Woman Sitting in a Dentist Chair

Kids can pull some pretty bizarre tricks with their baby teeth when they start to loosen. But adult teeth are supposed to stay with you for life. So what does it mean if you sense that some of your permanent teeth are getting a bit wiggly?

What’s Normal Wiggling?

Your teeth should naturally “give” a little when you push on them. Tooth roots aren’t directly fused to the bone in your jaw. There’s a thin layer of cushioning gum tissue and an interlaced network of ligament fibers between your tooth and the socket.

These tissues absorb some of the impact when you bite and chew. They also nourish the tooth and keep it alive. So if you notice that you can ever so slightly wiggle a tooth when you press firmly on it and have no other symptoms, then that’s completely normal.

What’s Unhealthy Movement?

Healthy teeth should only budge less than a millimeter when pressed. If your tooth has more give than that or you notice it getting looser with time, then it’s a red flag.

You also shouldn’t be able to push a tooth in and out of alignment. This suggests that the ligaments holding it in place are loosening up.

The Cause of Loose Teeth

Teeth can loosen over time as the ligaments and bone holding them in place start to break down. This is the result of moderate to severe gum disease. What starts as simple gingivitis can advance to a serious condition that causes tooth loss.

Treatment for Loose Teeth in Marietta

Are your teeth starting to feel loose? Contact Dental Care Center at Kennestone to set up a gum health consultation with one of our experienced dentists.

Posted on behalf of Dental Care Center at Kennestone

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW

Call our office or use our online contact option to schedule your appointment now!

Our Client Reviews

Dental Care Center at Kennestone

4.8 / 5.0

Based on 247 reviews

  • I absolutely love this dental experience. I used to dread having to make dental trips but since finding this office 4 years ago that took the dread away. From making the appointment, to visiting with the office staff. It's great. The Hygienist is very friendly. But that Dr. O,
    she is a ray of sunshine. Perfect bedside manner, concerning, caring, helpful, and so very positive. I do not have dental insurance and could go somewhere else that may be a tad cheaper but I wouldn't trade this dental office for the world. They feel more like family. Give them a try you won't regret it!

    Angie W.
  • I am very happy I came to this dental office! I tend to avoid going to the dentist because of past experiences, but my visit today was 10/10!! The dental hygienist, Kelly, and Dr. Buffington were so nice and thorough. I highly recommend! So happy I found a good and nice dental office finally!! :)

    Olivia
  • Always a great experience when I come in for cleanings or any work that has to be done. Special thanks to my hygienist Kelli for a good cleaning today and making me feel comfortable. Dr. Buffington is also terrific and very attentive. The entire staff will make you feel welcome and comfortable.

    Mark P.
  • I have been a patient here for many years. I’ve always had positive experiences. I especially like the Dental Hygenist “Callie”. She is just the best, always smiling and cheerful, just what you need at the Dentist. She is very experienced and I’ve learned a lot from her. All the Staff is very nice and polite and Dr Buffington is great also. I’ve had a lot of dental work done by her and never had a problem. She is very gentle and painless too!

    Nancy M.
  • The dentist, Dr. Buffington, hygienist, and staff were professional and efficient. Dr. Buffington provided an excellent explanation to my question so that I understood the situation. High recommend this dental practice.

    Don S.
  • Dr. Buffington has to be the kindest, most patient dentist in the world. The staff is amazingly attentive, non-judgemental and offers a very comforting experience. I appreciate how patient they are with me, a 44-year old that still cries and would rather give birth (without medication) than have dental work. I hope you catch my drift😉

    Adriennes B.
  • I really like Dr. Buffington. She gave me a plan that gives me hope about a TMJ issue. Everyone on the staff was professional and seemed genuinely caring. I would highly recommend the office.

    It’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and they don’t try to sell you on things you don’t need.

    Donna D.
  • I highly recommend this dental practice. They took prompt and amazing care of me to address a TMJ episode. Dr. Buffington and all employees I encountered were professional, friendly, caring and knowledgeable. They set me on the path of recovery and have earned my respect and business going forward. How refreshing to engage with a business that truly understands customer service.

    Ronni P.