What To Do About Your Teeth Falling Out
Everyone experiences teeth falling out at some point in their life. Baby teeth falling out will occur for most between ages 6-12 without any problems. Adult teeth falling out is not common and is considered a dental emergency.
Fortunately, your dental professionals can help support you in recovering after losing a permanent tooth. This article will outline all of your options and help you figure out what to do about your teeth falling out.
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My Teeth Are Falling Out What Should I Do?
If you’re an adult and you’re losing your teeth, the most important thing you can do is to not panic and give your dentist a call. If you are experiencing loss of teeth, it’s very important that you schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible.
There are many reasons why you might be losing your teeth, but only your dentist will be able to give the exact reasons for your specific situation.
If you are concerned about your child losing their teeth, then you might not have any reason to panic as losing baby teeth is completely normal and natural.
Baby Teeth Falling Out
Baby teeth will start erupting around 8 months and finish growing in around 33 months. The first baby teeth falling out will be the front teeth happening around age 6. Baby teeth have smaller roots and thinner enamel.
It’s important to establish a good oral hygiene routine and dental visits as soon as the first tooth grows in. For more tips on keeping baby teeth strong, check out our Pediatric Dental Guide.
Managing Baby Teeth Falling Out
Teething at any age can be sensitive for children. Although there is no tooth pain associated with baby teeth falling out, gum sensitivity can occur. It’s common to have red, swollen gums that are sensitive to touch when baby teeth are falling out.
For some children, loose baby teeth can be more challenging to experience. This can affect their nutrition, speech, and oral hygiene habits until the symptoms ease up. To help soothe baby teeth falling out:
- Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses can calm the inflammation associated with gum pain. A clean, wet washcloth can also be placed in the freezer and used to soothe the gums.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol® or Ibuprofen can help reduce the sensation. Consult your pediatrician first and always follow the recommended dosage on the bottle.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintaining a clean environment in the mouth can help reduce inflammation by removing bacteria and plaque. Gently assist with your child’s brushing at least two times a day.
- Oral Rinses: Warm salt water rinses will help soothe the gums and promote healing. Mix a half teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gently swish multiple times a day.
- Diet: Baby teeth falling out will be sensitive when used to chew. A soft food diet will help prevent any irritation and encourage your child to chew on the other side of the mouth.
Adult Teeth Falling Out
While baby teeth falling out are expected, adult teeth falling out are not. The chance of losing a tooth prematurely increases with age. Adult teeth falling out are usually caused by:
- Trauma: Premature tooth loss can occur when the face or mouth is impacted during sports, car accidents, or even a simple fall.
- Gum Disease: Left untreated, gum disease will start to affect the supporting bone structure that surrounds the teeth. Bone loss will eventually cause the tooth to become mobile and eventually lead to teeth falling out. Our Treating Gum Disease has more information to help treat periodontal disease.
- Cancer: A common side effect of certain cancers is premature tooth loss. This can be connected to dry mouth, gum disease, or oral cancer affecting the supporting bone.
- Long Term Grinding: Repeated motions associated with clenching and grinding can cause the teeth to become mobile over time. The pressure involved with clenching and grinding affects the bone that supports the teeth.
What To Do With Adult Teeth Falling Out
Time is a very important factor when dealing with a dental emergency. Call and consult with your dentist as soon as possible. When an adult tooth is knocked out of the mouth:
- Gently pick up the tooth at the crown of the tooth, not the root.
- Carefully rinse any visible debris if needed. Do not rub or scrub the tooth.
- If possible, place the tooth back in the socket. The tooth can also be placed in a bag or container submerged in your spit, milk, or saline solution.
- Go to the dentist and proceed under their professional advice. It is best to see your dental professionals within 1-2 hours after the incident.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Unfortunately, not all adult teeth falling out are able to be saved. There are several different treatment options available to replace missing teeth. Consult your dental team to find what will work best for you and your smile.
Tooth replacement options include:
- Braces: Using orthodontics to close spaces left from tooth loss is a great option. Braces can also help improve oral health by straightening the teeth simultaneously.
- Dental Implants: Implants can improve your bite, prevent future bone loss, replace tooth function, and provide aesthetic relief.
- Dental Bridges: There are several different styles of bridges used to replace missing teeth. This can be a faster and more cost-effective route to replace a missing tooth.
- Dentures: This is the least invasive replacement for missing teeth. Professional dentures are a great option to replace missing teeth, especially if there are multiple teeth involved.
For additional information on these dental treatments, check out Best Teeth Replacement Options.
Recommendations On What To Do About Your Teeth Falling Out
If you are an adult and you start to experience teeth falling out, it’s extremely important that you call your dentist and schedule a visit as soon as possible.
There are many options listed above that can be implemented in order to save the remaining teeth, but action must be taken quickly.
It’s very possible to both save your remaining teeth and to properly replace the teeth that are already missing. Only your dentist will be able to properly assess your specific situation and needs though.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can your teeth just fall out?
There is always a reason for teeth falling out. Teeth and their roots are anchored to the bone and surrounded by ligaments. Baby teeth fall out after the adult teeth push them out. Adult teeth fall out due to a negative event like gum disease or trauma.
What to do when your tooth is falling out?
If the tooth is a baby tooth, do not worry and let it fall out on its own. If an adult tooth is falling out, contact your dentist immediately. A dental or medical professional should evaluate any head, neck, or mouth trauma.
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