Adult teeth are meant to be permanent and should not feel loose. If you notice any movement in a tooth, it is a sign of an underlying issue affecting the bone and ligaments that hold the tooth in place. This mobility can be subtle at first, often noticed only when touching the tooth with the tongue or during eating.
This guidance has been withdrawn while it awaits confirmation by a registered dentist. Please consult a registered dentist for advice on this point.
To diagnose the cause, a dentist will perform a thorough examination, measuring the depth of the gum pockets around the loose tooth. They will also use X-rays to assess the level of bone loss. They may check your bite to see if the teeth are hitting each other with excessive force, which can contribute to the loosening of the tooth.
A loose tooth is a serious dental concern that requires professional intervention. Depending on the diagnosis, a dentist may recommend deep cleaning, splinting the tooth to its neighbours, or other specialised treatments to save it. Promptly visiting a registered dentist offers the best chance of stabilising the tooth and preventing its loss.