At-Home Loose Teeth Treatments
Many people find visiting a dental professional to be something they want to avoid at all costs. When adults get loose teeth, they may believe their only course of action is to visit a dentist for treatment. While generally advisable to seek professional care in the event of loosening teeth, there are some at-home treatments that can be implemented that could help remedy loose teeth and prevent them from coming out completely.
Whether from periodontal disease, an injury, or oral trauma, there are many ways that an adult’s teeth can become loose. Read on to learn more about some of the more common ways people can treat loose teeth from the comfort of their home without having to seek professional intervention.
Treating Loose Teeth at Home
Improving Oral Hygiene Routine
One of the more common causes of loose adult teeth is periodontal disease. Typically due to plaque buildup from insufficient flossing and brushing, periodontal disease can weaken the bone and tissue structures that hold the teeth securely in place. While periodontal disease is progressive and will worsen if left untreated, it is possible for people to stop and even reverse the disease by improving their oral hygiene routine.
To ensure optimal dental health, people should floss their teeth daily or after meals and brush two times per day. Part of an oral hygiene regimen should also include visiting the dentist every six months for examinations and professional cleanings.
Green Tea
Green tea daily has been shown to help correct gum recession that can cause teeth to loosen. High in antioxidants, green tea reverses inflammation in the body that was caused in reaction to bacteria. Furthermore, green tea can help prevent the bacteria from further growth.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Gargling or rinsing with hydrogen peroxide is another way to combat the bacteria that contribute to plaque buildup, periodontal disease, and loosening teeth. To avoid the solution being too acidic, and doing more harm than good to the patient’s mouth, patients should ensure a 50/50 mix of water and hydrogen peroxide before rinsing.
Saltwater Rinse
Like hydrogen peroxide, simply rinsing with a saltwater solution can remove food debris, help clean and disinfect between the teeth, draw bacteria out, and prevent additional bacteria spores from being created. Should hydrogen peroxide be unavailable, patients can utilize saltwater for the same effect by diluting a half teaspoon of salt with one cup of water and rinsing. Patients should rinse for roughly 10 seconds at least three times per day until discomfort and inflammation subside and teeth firm up in the jaw.
Dental Glue
A special type of glue designed specifically for teeth, dental glue is an ideal solution for reconnecting loose teeth that other at-home remedies are unable to correct. While dental glue is only a temporary fix for loose teeth, the glue can be quite effective at providing relief in the short-term. After application, dental glue can last between three to six weeks.
Permanent tooth glue is also available and capable of binding the teeth much tighter. While this can offer long-term results, because of its strength, patients should first get approval or a recommendation from a dentist before use.