Tooth Mobility

Tooth mobility is the loosening of one or more teeth, which are no longer firmly held in the bone. A certain degree of mobility can be normal, but when it is noticeable it usually indicates a problem in the supporting tissues.

Common causes: the most frequent is advanced gum disease, though it can also be due to trauma, bruxism, or bone loss around the tooth.

When should it be checked? If you notice that a tooth moves, feels loose, or has changed its position, it is worth an evaluation to keep the problem from progressing.

Who evaluates it? The periodontist studies the state of the gums and the bone that holds the teeth, in collaboration with the dentist and, in some cases, the maxillofacial surgeon. Addressing a moving tooth in time increases the chances of keeping it, so it is worth seeking professional guidance.