As a kid, having a loose tooth was a pretty huge deal since it meant that the tooth fairy was going to drop by soon! It was simply a normal sign of growing up as milky teeth get replaced by permanent ones.
As an adult, however, having a loose tooth isn’t such a positive thing. While it can happen due to a trauma to the mouth or face, it can also be a symptom of a serious dental condition or disease that requires medical attention as soon as possible.
Today, I’m discussing how to stabilize a loose tooth at home. Of course, a visit to your dentist is the best way to diagnose and treat a loose tooth, but you can try some DIY remedies alongside professional care to further strengthen your teeth.
What Causes Loose Teeth?
A loose tooth can be the result of several events and conditions. Here are the most common causes:
An Injury or Trauma
If you’ve recently had a face or mouth injury or trauma from impact, it could’ve led to jaw damage or a fractured tooth that compromises teeth retention.
Teeth Clenching
Grinding on your teeth at night or when you’re stressed can loosen them due to worn-down gums.
Plaque and Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene and plaque can loosen teeth due to infections that compromise the integrity of the gum tissue.
Gum Issues
Gum diseases, mainly periodontitis, are highly likely to cause loose teeth. Untreated inflammation can develop into serious infections.
Osteoporosis
When the density of the bone supporting your teeth is reduced, it’ll cause loosening. This scenario is seen more in older women.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the periodontium, which is the set of bones and ligaments holding your teeth in their spots. Elevated estrogen and progesterone levels can trigger the loosening of tissue surrounding some teeth.
How to Stabilize a Loose Tooth at Home
Now that you’re familiar with the potential causes of your loose tooth, it’s time to explain how you can stabilize it at home using the following remedies:
1. Saltwater Gargles
Old but gold is the best way to describe this remedy. Not only is it one of the very first ways to tighten loose teeth at home, but it’s also one of the easiest to apply and the safest to try.
You’ll need a glass of warm water (about 8 ounces) and a tablespoon of regular salt. Dissolve the salt in the water, take a gulp, gargle it around your mouth for no less than a minute, then spit it out.
Repeat the same steps until you finish the whole glass. Salt is a natural bactericidal and the gargling action will eliminate hidden microbes.
2. Oil Pulling
Another gargling method you can try is using oil, which also has a bacterial effect. It can also help reduce plaque for better dental hygiene.
You’ll need a tablespoon of olive oil, coconut oil, or sesame oil. Swish it for at least 15 minutes around your mouth, then spit it out and wash your mouth with warm water.
You can brush your teeth after and repeat the same steps every day.
3. Indian Gooseberry or Melaka Tree or Amla Powder
Indian gooseberry, also called Melaka tree or amla, is a fruit that supports stronger connective tissue by stimulating its healing and regeneration. It comes in both capsule and powder forms, but our focus is on the latter.
You’ll need to stir a teaspoon of Indian gooseberry powder into a glass of lukewarm water. Use the mixture as a mouth rinse once a day before brushing your teeth.
Alternatively, you can make an Indian gooseberry paste and massage your gum and teeth with it. Just mix two tablespoons of water with one tablespoon of powder.
4. Mustard Oil and Honey
Both mustard oil and honey can help your gum become stronger thanks to their antibacterial properties.
This remedy calls for 2 to 3 drops of mustard oil and one teaspoon of honey. Mix the two ingredients well, then grab some on your finger and gently massage it onto the affected tooth and surrounding gum.
Keep it up for about 2 minutes, then wash your mouth with warm water. Repeat these steps once every other day.
5. Mustard Oil and Table Salt
Besides honey, you can also use salt with mustard oil since it possesses an antibacterial activity as well.
You’ll need to mix 2 to 3 drops of mustard oil and one teaspoon of regular salt to form a paste. Grab some on your finger and gently massage it onto the affected tooth and surrounding gum for a couple of minutes.
After that, wash your mouth with warm water. Repeat these steps once every other day.
6. Garlic
Known for its wide range of antibacterial activities, garlic can be an effective way to reduce tooth loosening due to bacterial infections. It’s also easy to apply, but the downside is the taste and smell of garlic.
That said, you’ll need to cut a garlic clove into thin slices, then rub 1 or 2 of them on the affected area. Leave the slices between your inner cheek and the loose tooth for as long as you can handle.
Rinse with lukewarm water afterward. You can repeat these steps a few times daily.
7. Long Pepper and Turmeric
Long pepper has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects that can strengthen your gums while alleviating pain.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, also possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can support gum health.
This remedy uses equal amounts of long pepper and turmeric. Once you mix them, take some and gently massage them onto the affected tooth and gum.
After a few minutes of rubbing, wash your mouth with warm water. You can repeat this every day.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
3% hydrogen peroxide has mild antiseptic properties, so it can eliminate microbes and help tighten loose teeth in case of bacterial infections, plaque, and cavities.
Simply swish and gargle one tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for about a minute or so, then spit it out and wash your mouth with lukewarm water. You can use hydrogen peroxide as a regular rinse alongside brushing.
9. Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D supplements aren’t just good for bone health, but they’re also beneficial to dental health as they support tooth retention. Your loose tooth could be due to a deficiency of these elements.
Buy these supplements in capsule or liquid form from your local pharmacy. You can also ask your physician to prescribe a suitable dosage for your condition.
Care Tips to Prevent Loose Teeth
Here are some tips to avoid loose teeth:
- Brush your teeth and floss every day.
- Wear a mouthguard during dangerous activities.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol excessively.
- Schedule periodic dental checkups.
Wrap Up
There you go, a complete guide on how to stabilize a loose tooth at home. Keep in mind, however, that the discussed remedies aren’t a replacement for a proper dentist visit.
