TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Many people think that loose teeth are only experienced by children who are in the process of changing baby teeth. However, the reality is that this condition can also occur in adults and should not be underestimated. If you feel that a tooth is starting to become loose, even without impact or injury, it could be a sign of problems with the tooth support tissue.
In adults, loose teeth are generally caused by gum disease (periodontitis) which infects the gums and damages the bone structure around the teeth. If left untreated, this condition can worsen the damage and eventually lead to tooth loss. "Loose teeth are a signal from the body that there is a serious problem with the gums and tooth support bone. Proper treatment can help save your teeth," said Periodontics Specialist Dentist at Bethsaida Hospital Dental Center Gading Serpong, R. A. Syanti W. Astuty, in a press release received by Tempo on December 28, 2025.
According to Syanti, tooth looseness in adults should not be considered normal or equated with the condition of children's teeth. In general, loose teeth in adults can be caused by conditions such as accidents, systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus), gum disease (periodontitis), and habits of grinding teeth (bruxism). If left untreated, it will lead to tooth loss. "The high prevalence of gum disease is 74 percent in Indonesia, occurring more frequently in women than men. This makes gum disease, called Periodontitis, not to be underestimated. Proper therapy can prevent further damage to gum tissue and bones and avoid tooth loss," she said.
To address loose teeth in adults, professional treatment such as scaling, splinting of loose teeth, or periodontal surgery may be necessary, depending on the cause. In addition, at-home care can help reduce worsening, such as gently brushing teeth, using dental floss, rinsing with saltwater, and consuming soft foods.
Following the examination, the dentist will determine the appropriate therapy, which may include several approaches: stabilizing loose teeth by connecting them to other teeth to provide additional support, dental cleaning therapy to remove plaque and tartar that can cause further problems to the gums and bones, and tissue repair therapy to help repair or stimulate the growth of damaged bone. Another option is bite adjustment therapy to balance the pressure on the teeth to prevent further damage. "Loose teeth can be fixed with proper treatment. Early examination helps to avoid larger problems in the future," said Syanti.
Syanti added that maintaining dental and gum health is not only a matter of medical care but also daily habits that can have a significant impact. Some simple steps that can be taken include brushing teeth using the correct technique, twice a day. Then, there is the routine step of scaling at least every six months to remove tartar. Third, people should avoid the habit of biting or grinding hard objects, which can put excessive pressure on the teeth. Also, managing blood sugar levels well, especially for those with a history of diabetes, is important because this condition can affect gum health. "These simple habits not only maintain the health of teeth and gums but also contribute to overall body health," said Syanti.
The Director of Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, Pitono, said that Bethsaida Hospital Dental Center Gading Serpong is equipped with modern technology such as 3D CBCT, Waterlase, laser dentistry, and CAD/CAM dentistry to provide precise dental care with minimal pain. "With a combination of the latest technology and the experience of specialist doctors, our goal is to provide comprehensive dental care tailored to the needs of patients," said Pitono.
Read: The Best Time to Brush Your Teeth: Before or After Breakfast?
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