What Potential Dental Health Issues Can Cause Teeth to Become Loose and Hurt? 

If your teeth feel loose and hurt, it's important to identify the potential cause and seek treatment from your dentist. Several dental health issues can lead to loose, painful teeth. Knowing these conditions can help you get the right diagnosis and care. 

Gum Disease 

One of the most common reasons for loose, painful teeth is advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis. With gum disease, inflammation and infections in the gums and bone cause tissue and bone loss around the teeth. As this support structure weakens, teeth can become loose and painful. Other symptoms besides loose teeth include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and receding gums. If you suspect you have gum disease, see your dentist near me right away to reduce further damage. 

Tooth Decay 

Tooth decay under or around fillings can also cause pain and loosening. Cavities allow bacteria to infect the inner tooth structure (pulp). As the decay reaches the pulp, it can become severely inflamed, leading to severe toothaches. The infection puts pressure on the tooth, leading to loosening in the socket. See your dentist promptly if you have a toothache and looseness to treat the decay before it progresses. 

Teeth Grinding and Clenching 

Excessive teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) exerts strong lateral and vertical pressures onto teeth over time. This can traumatize the supporting ligaments and bone, leading to loosening and sensitivity or pain. Getting a custom nightguard from your dentist is key to protecting teeth if chronic grinding/clenching is the culprit. Your dentist may also recommend options to relieve discomfort and stabilize loose teeth while addressing the causes of the oral habit. 

Injury/Trauma 

Any impact or injury to your mouth − like sports injuries or getting hit in the mouth − may cause teeth to become loose or painful. Trauma can lead to a tooth being partially uprooted or fractured. See an emergency dentist near me promptly if a tooth injury and noticeable loosening or intense pain occur. Timely treatment gives the best chance of saving an injured tooth. 

When to See Your Dentist?

Don't delay if you have any teeth that hurt or feel loose without an obvious cause like trauma. See your dentist in San Jose, CA, for an evaluation. Loosening and pain are key indicators of problems like advancing gum disease, infections, or extensive tooth wear and damage. In many cases, treatments can resolve the issue and prevent tooth loss. Splinting or bonding may help secure or restore their structure even for severely loose or damaged teeth. As your experienced local dentists, we're here to help diagnose what's causing your loose, painful teeth and guide you through appropriate care. Contact us here at Neeshat S. Khan, DDS, if you're concerned about any dental symptoms or have questions. We provide caring treatments tailored to your needs to restore healthy, comfortable, functional smiles.