---
title: "What Is Loose tooth (tooth mobility)? Dental Glossary"
description: "A loose tooth, or tooth mobility, is a tooth that moves more than normal, often because gum disease, injury, or grinding has weakened its support."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/loose-tooth-tooth-mobility
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Gum Care

# Loose tooth (tooth mobility)

A loose tooth, or tooth mobility, is a tooth that moves more than normal, often because gum disease, injury, or grinding has weakened its support.

Adult teeth should feel firm. Cleveland Clinic says a loose tooth is a tooth that is wiggly, and in an adult it could be a symptom of trauma or underlying disease. Common causes are advanced [gum disease](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-disease-periodontal-disease), a blow to the mouth, and heavy grinding or clenching. Changes in hormones, such as during pregnancy, can also loosen teeth for a time. A loose tooth needs a dentist visit, because early care gives the tooth a better chance. The dentist checks the gums, takes X-rays, and looks at your bite. A [splint](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/teeth-splinting) may hold the tooth steady while it heals. See [bruxism](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bruxism-teeth-grinding) and our [periodontal care](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/periodontal-care) page.

[Town Center Dental can helpPeriodontal Care](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/periodontal-care)

## Related terms

-   [Gum disease (periodontal disease)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-disease-periodontal-disease)
-   [Teeth splinting](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/teeth-splinting)
-   [Bruxism (teeth grinding)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bruxism-teeth-grinding)
-   [Bone loss](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bone-loss)
-   [Dental trauma](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-trauma)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Loose Tooth: Causes & What To Do](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/loose-tooth)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)