Why are my teeth loose?

Symptoms:

Your front teeth are beginning to feel loose, your gums bleed on brushing, some of the gum margins are red and puffy. You’re four months pregnant, your gums are a purplish red and puffy, they bleed on brushing. Your teeth are more mobile in your mouth. You’re 60 years old, your muscles and joints ache, your teeth are feeling loose and your mother had osteoporosis.

It could be:

Periodontal disease where the gum margins become infected due to the accumulation of plaque. Left untreated the gums, the ligaments of the teeth, and the bone that surrounds and supports the roots of the teeth become weakened.

Pregnancy hormones

High levels of progesterone and oestrogen during pregnancy can cause the gum margins to swell and the supporting ligaments around your teeth to loosen.

Osteoporosis It can affect both men and women when your bones become soft and prone to fracture, including your jaw bone and the teeth become loose. Osteoporosis makes you three times more likely to lose a tooth.

Stop it:

See a dental hygienist as soon as possible to remove the plaque. Start brushing your teeth at least twice a day and using interdental cleaning brushes after eating. Use a proven mouthwash like Corsodyl twice a day.

This doesn’t result in tooth loss so long as you’re particular about oral hygiene. Nonetheless, consult your dentist. See your doctor for tests to confirm osteoporosis and for treatment to strengthen your bones. Start walking. Any weight-bearing exercise increases the density of your bones throughout your body, even in your jaw.