When you’re a kid, few things are as exciting as noticing that you have a loose tooth. You would spend so much of your time wiggling it with your tongue, urging it to fall out so you could place it under your pillow and find it replaced with a bit of money. But if you notice that your tooth is loose as an adult, your reaction will likely be quite different. What should do you if you find yourself in this situation? Continue reading to find out.
Call Your Dentist
First things first, give your dentist’s office a call and tell them that your tooth is loose. They should be able to schedule you an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Often, they can get you in later that same day. While it may not seem like a big deal, a loose tooth in adulthood is a serious problem that should not be ignored.
Try Not to Move the Tooth
As tempting as it may be to wiggle the tooth with your tongue, doing so could make the problem worse. Keeping your mouth clean is important, but do not brush or floss near the loose tooth. Instead, gently rinse out your mouth with a saltwater solution. This will clean the area and minimize the buildup of plaque and bacteria.
Avoid Sticky, Chewy, and Hard Foods
Chewing on these types of foods could cause your loose tooth to come out entirely. Even if you’re almost positive that your dentist will just pull the tooth during your appointment, do not attempt to do it on your own. It may increase your risk of getting an infection.
Keep the Tooth Moist
Whether the tooth is still in your mouth or it has fallen out, it must be kept moist in order for it to stay alive. If your tooth has completely come out, place it in a container of milk right away. Milk contains certain sugars and antibacterial properties that allow the cells in your tooth to continue growing. Soaking a dislodged tooth in water, however, will make its cells swell and burst, rendering it impossible to replant. Another solution is to store the tooth in your cheek pocket until you can reach your dentist’s office.
No matter what causes your tooth to loosen, rest assured that your dentist can help. They can provide you with guidance on handling your unique situation until they can repair your smile.
About the Practice
At Prime Dentistry, patients in Denton, TX and the surrounding communities love our highly experienced team, flexible payment options, convenient hours, and friendly office environment. If you’re dealing with a loose tooth as an adult, Dr. Dhiren Ahir will use his impressive experience and clinical expertise to make your smile like new again. To get the urgent help you need, visit our website or call us at 940-514-0333.
