My teeth are loose

Question:

“Hello I am the age of 12 and I woke up to a loose premolar is there anything that i can do about it or will it fall out and never grow back?”

Answer:

Premolars are a part of our permanent set of teeth.  So, if you are sure that it’s a premolar that’s loose, and not one of your baby teeth (as baby teeth are significantly smaller than permanent teeth and can easily be mistaken for a premolar), then there is something else that is going on, and we highly recommend you visiting your dentist so that an x-ray can reveal the true culprit.

My tooth feels loose

Here are some reasons why teeth become loose:

• Periodontal disease. Localized aggressive periodontitis is less common form of periodontitis that may affect only a few teeth.
• Bruxism (habitual clenching or grinding of teeth, often especially at night). Many patients are night bruxers (grind their teeth while they sleep), and may not be aware of the habit.
• Trauma to teeth (resulting from sporting activities or other accident).
• Primary teeth (baby teeth) may become loose, as the new permanent teeth begin to erupt.
• Malocclusion
• Supernumerary teeth (extra teeth)

What is Malocclusion?

Let’s first define occlusion. Occlusion is simply the way the upper and lower teeth come together. Malocclusion means the upper and lower teeth aren’t in proper alignment (they don’t come together the way they should). Malocclusions are a big deal because extra pressure is sometimes placed on the bone surrounding the teeth. Malocclusion classification is divided into:

• Class 1 malocclusion
• Class 2 malocclusion (there’s also a class 2 division 1 malocclusion & a class 2 division 2 malocclusion)
• Class 3 malocclusion

What to do about Loose Teeth

The reason for the loose tooth must be found and treated, so proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary. This can only be done by a dentist (in your case, we recommend that your parents/guardians take you to see a pediatric dentist). General treatment options for loose teeth may include:

• Treating the periodontal disease.
• Allowing a primary (baby) tooth to naturally exfoliate (fall out).
• Orthodontic treatment.
• A night guard is sometimes prescribed to prevent grinding of teeth.
• Splinting teeth (joining them together) is sometimes recommended.

The treatment for each patient depends on the result of dental examination and diagnosis. Please recommend to your parents/guardians that you see a pediatric dentist (pedodontist) as soon as possible. The very best to you!

Will my daughter’s baby tooth be replaced?

Question:

Sir, I would like to ask about my daughters tooth.  It is badly damage so the doctor told me to remove it. I want to know whether she will again get her permanent tooth back or not? She is completed 7yrs now. Please reply me soon. Thanks in advance.

Answer:

Around the age of 6, children begin to see their permanent teeth erupt.  Depending on which tooth is removed, more than likely it will be replaced with an adult tooth.  Below we have included a chart of eruption times of adult teeth.  The teeth are arranged starting with the central incisor at the midline and ending with the molar in the back of the mouth.

Primary Teeth Eruption Chart

Upper Teeth
Tooth	Eruption Age
Central Incisor	10 month
Lateral Incisor	11 month
Canine	19 month
First Premolar	Not present
Second Premolar	Not present
First Molar	16 month
Second Molar	29 month
Third Molar	Not present
Lower Teeth
Tooth	Eruption Age
Central Incisor	8 month
Lateral Incisor	13 month
Canine	20 month
First Premolar	Not present
Second Premolar	Not present
First Molar	16 month
Second Molar	27 month
Third Molar	Not present

Permanent Teeth Eruption Chart

Upper Teeth
Tooth	Eruption Age
Central Incisor	7-8 yr
Lateral Incisor	8-9 yr
Canine	11-12 yr
First Premolar	10-11 yr
Second Premolar	10-12 yr
First Molar	6-7 yr
Second Molar	12-13 yr
Third Molar	17-21 yr

Lower Teeth
Tooth	Eruption Age
Central Incisor	6-7 yr
Lateral Incisor	7-8 yr
Canine	9-10 yr
First Premolar	10-12 yr
Second Premolar	11-12 yr
First Molar	6-7 yr
Second Molar	11-13 yr
Third Molar	17-21 yr

However, if a tooth is removed too early, it could influence the amount of space left for the adult tooth.  Ask your dentist if early removal of the tooth will influence the eruption of the adult dentition.  If so, the dentist is required to provide you with “space maintenance” options.  This means that when the adult tooth comes in, there will be enough room in the mouth to accommodate it.

Good luck with your decision,

SaveMySmile Team