If you've noticed a loose tooth, it's understandable to be concerned. It occurs as the tooth begins to slowly detach from the gums and bone, losing its support and grounding. Often, people notice a loose tooth when eating or chewing – which can exacerbate the problem.
Loose teeth in children are completely normal. It's all part of developing your teeth and gums and the new set of teeth growing in. In adults, however, it's always a cause for concern. Book an appointment with your dentist to get your teeth evaluated.
One potential cause is infection. That's why so many patients wonder, "Can antibiotics save loose teeth?" The answer is yes. But it's a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no in the majority of cases. Let's take a closer look.
Causes of a Loose Tooth
Everyone has had a loose tooth at one time or another – usually as a child. Your adult teeth aren't supposed to wobble or come loose, however. There are three primary causes of a loose tooth:
1. Infection
2. Injury
3. Bruxism
Infection
Infection is the biggest concern when you find a loose tooth. Known as periodontitis or gum disease, it involves inflammation or infection of the gum, which leads to swelling, bleeding, pus, and gum recession. As the gums swell and recede, their hold on the teeth loosens, increasing the risk of a tooth falling out.
If the infection continues to get worse, it can turn into an abscess (a pocket of pus located beneath the tooth). Such infections can occur due to tooth decay, injuries, or previous dental work.
It's critical to see a dentist as soon as possible. Without treatment, the infection will continue to worsen, spreading into the jaw and even the brain. Infections are treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria (see below).
Injury
Traumatic injury to the face or mouth is another common cause of a loose tooth. Often, people experience such trauma due to car accidents or a sports injury. The tooth can become chipped, cracked, or break off entirely. The angle of the impact determines the damage to the underlying tissue and bone.
Any traumatic facial industry must be treated in an A&E department. Call 999 or visit the emergency department for immediate treatment. Alternatively, you can contact an emergency dentist if the damage is restricted to your teeth.
Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a problem where people grind their teeth in their sleep for a prolonged period of time. The pressure and friction begin to degrade the bone and soft tissue, weakening and loosening the tooth.
Often, people with bruxism clench their jaw, moving it from side to side. This can occur when they're awake as well as asleep. Risk factors include:
· Stress (the most common cause)
· Sleep disorders
· Misalignment of teeth
· Stimulants use
· Smoking
· Drinking alcohol
· Antidepressant use
· Neurological conditions like Huntington's disease
People with bruxism experience symptoms such as headaches and facial pain. The area between the jaw and skull is a particular cause of pain – known as the temporomandibular joint.
Understanding Dental Infections
Dental infections are one of the most common causes of loose teeth. All dental infections occur due to the overgrowth of bacteria in and around the tooth. Patients notice swelling, redness, pain, and a loose tooth.
There are several different kinds of dental infections, including:
· Periodontitis. This is a basic infection of the gums resulting from poor dental hygiene. Bacteria can enter the gums where the hardened plaque material separates the gum tissue from the teeth. It's an early sign of infection.
· Periapical Abscess. If the infection isn't treated, a periapical abscess can form. This is located at the tip of the tooth's root and is a dental emergency. It involves an infected nerve chamber within the tooth that begins to spread, causing visible swelling, a bad taste, and sensitivity to hot and cold.
· Periodontal Abscess. This abscess is located in the pockets of gum tissue surrounding the teeth. It occurs because a person hasn't thoroughly cleaned their teeth. If it worsens, then the bone that forms the socket can also become infected. Often, there is a significant accumulation of pus.
· Combination Abscess. It is a mixture of a tooth abscess and gum infection resulting from an untreated dental abscess. Eventually, the infection will spread to the jaw and brain.
Can Antibiotics Save a Loose Tooth?
Yes and no. Antibiotics are highly effective at treating dental infections, relieving the pressure on the tooth and gums, reducing swelling, and allowing the tooth to resettle back into its socket. If treated early enough, most cases of tooth infection leave no lasting consequences.
That being said, antibiotics can't treat everything.
There's often a lot of confusion among the public about antibiotics. Some people regard them as a panacea which can treat everything. This isn't the case. Antibiotics exclusively treat bacterial infections. Different classes of antibiotics can fight different kinds of bacteria; however, they're not helpful if your loose tooth is caused by bruxism or trauma.
Antibiotics might be prescribed in people with severe dental trauma due to the risk of infection. This is left up to the advice of your dentist. If the infection continues to progress, a root canal procedure might be advised. This removes the infected nerves and seals the root canal to prevent the spread of infection. Your dentist can also drain the abscess of any pus that has accumulated. In some cases, the tooth cannot be saved and must be removed entirely.
Taking Antibiotics for a Loose Tooth
Antibiotics are not an over-the-counter medicine in the UK. Only your dentist, doctor, or pharmacist can prescribe these medications. However, with dental emergencies, it's best to see a dentist for treatment.
Which Antibiotics Work?
The standard antibiotic for dental infections is amoxicillin, a form of penicillin. It's the first line for everything from periodontitis to abscesses. If this proves ineffective, your dentist may try another antibiotic, metronidazole, either alone or in conjunction with amoxicillin. Together, they cover a broader range of bacterial species.
If you're allergic to penicillin, your dentist can prescribe clindamycin or erythromycin instead. These medications have a lower rate of allergic reactions.
Antibiotics aren't used in all dental infections. Your dentist will assess:
· The severity of the infection
· The spread of the infection
· If you're immunocompromised
Depending on your current condition, they may recommend antibiotics, a root canal, or the removal of the infected tooth. Sometimes, antibiotics are tried first, but the infection continues to progress. If that's the case, then a root canal or removal might prove necessary to stop the infection.
How Long Should You Take Antibiotics?
Always follow your dentist's advice when taking antibiotics. They will let you know how long the course will last, and it will also say so on the box. Never miss any of the pills, as this can stop the antibiotics from having the intended effect.
Usually, people take a course of antibiotics for around one to two weeks. For example, amoxicillin is usually prescribed 500 mg every 8 hours (or 4 times per day). The dose might be increased to 875 mg every 12 hours for severe infections. The typical course for treating a dental infection with amoxicillin lasts for 7 to 10 days.
Preventing a Dental Infection
Dental infections aren't inevitable – they occur because of poor dental hygiene that allows bacteria to thrive in your mouth. Poor dental hygiene increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay, which give access to the underlying tooth pulp and gums.
With the right dental hygiene routine, you can minimise your risk of infections. Here's how:
· Use a High-Quality Toothbrush. Forget using a manual, poor-quality toothbrush. You need a sonic electric toothbrush that removes food and debris from even the hardest-to-reach places. The Oclean Electric Sonic Toothbrush uses a maglev motor to reach 84,000 movements per minute. Combined with the 3 modes and 32 intensities, users can customise their routine and achieve a greater level of hygiene. Plus, the AI-controlled pressure-sensitive technology prevents damage or bleeding to the gums.
· Swill with Salt Water. Add a teaspoon of salt to a small glass of water and swill it around your mouth. This can help sterilise your mouth in the early stages of infection. Do it 1-2 times per week to safeguard against an infection.
· Avoid Sugary Foods. Sugary foods increase the risk of dental infections by encouraging the growth of bacteria and the development of cavities. The healthier your diet, the lower your risk of abscesses and periodontitis.
· Regular Dental Checkups. Don't avoid your visit to the dentist. Ensuring you get checked up at least twice a year can ensure any issues are resolved before they become severe. Your dentist can then monitor and fill any cavities, reducing the risk of infection.
Ultimately, it's much easier to prevent a dental infection than it is to treat one. Being proactive with your oral hygiene keeps your teeth clean and healthy. But, if an infection does occur, remember that antibiotics are the first line treatment. That's why if you notice a loosened tooth, you should speak to your dentist immediately.