I Have a Loose Tooth With No Obvious Cause β Could It Be Cancer?
A tooth that becomes loose without injury or gum disease can be puzzling and concerning. Here is what to know.
Teeth usually become loose from gum disease (periodontal disease) or injury. But when a tooth becomes loose with no obvious cause, it is a symptom that needs to be taken seriously.
- Possible causes include:
- Gum disease β advanced periodontal disease is the most common cause; you may not be aware you have it
- Bruxism (teeth grinding) β can loosen teeth over time
- Pregnancy β hormonal changes can temporarily loosen teeth
- Osteoporosis β bone loss can affect the jawbone
- Jaw tumor β a growth in the jawbone can push teeth out of place
- Oral cancer β a cancerous tumor invading the jawbone can loosen teeth
A loose tooth with no gum disease, no injury, and no other dental explanation should be evaluated for a possible underlying bone or soft tissue issue.
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Tooth is loose along with bleeding gums (likely gum disease)
- Tooth loosened after a fall or injury
- Pregnant or postpartum
- Teeth are generally mobile, not just one
- Worth having checked:
- A single tooth that becomes loose with no gum problems
- Tooth loosening with no dental cause
- Accompanied by swelling, numbness, or a lump in the jaw
- Pain in the jaw that does not go away
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
When to See a Doctor
- See a dentist promptly if:
- You have a loose tooth with no clear cause
- The tooth is loose in an area where you also have a sore or swelling
- You have numbness in your chin or lip on that side
- You have had oral cancer before