A very slight give in teeth is normal, but noticeable wiggling is not. See a dentist.
Normal
Teeth have a tiny natural movement, about 0.1 mm, because of the ligament.
Not normal
Visible wiggle or movement is a sign of problems.
Causes
- Gum disease.
- Injury.
- Teeth grinding.
- Bone loss.
- Pregnancy hormones.
What to do
See a dentist soon.
Children
Baby teeth loosen normally.
Prevention
Brush, floss and keep dental visits.
Normal movement of teeth
Healthy adult teeth are held by the periodontal ligament, which allows tiny movement of about 0.1 mm. A bit of mobility, such as slight give when pressing, can be normal, particularly in front teeth. Wiggle that is visible or increasing is not normal.
- Children’s baby teeth are meant to wiggle, and the first loose tooth appears around ages 5 to 7.
- Orthodontic treatment, bruxism and gum disease can increase mobility.
- Pregnancy hormones can loosen teeth temporarily.
What to do
A dentist will measure mobility on a scale (Miller index grade 0 to 3) and check gum pockets and bone levels with X-rays. Treatment includes deep cleaning, splinting, a night guard or bite adjustment. Brush twice daily for 2 minutes, floss daily and visit the dentist every 6 months. A tooth that loosens after trauma should be seen within 24 hours. Avoid wiggling a loose adult tooth.
Normal movement of teeth
Healthy adult teeth move slightly, about 0.1 to 0.2 mm, because the periodontal ligament cushions them. Baby teeth loosen between ages 6 and 12 as permanent teeth emerge. Visible wiggle in adult teeth is not normal and may mean gum disease, grinding or trauma.
What to do
See a dentist if an adult tooth moves noticeably. Treatment depends on the cause: cleaning, a night guard or splinting. Good brushing twice daily and flossing reduce risk.
Anatomy of tooth support
A tooth sits in the alveolar bone, held by the periodontal ligament, which is about 0.2 mm wide. This ligament allows 0.05 to 0.1 mm of movement. Teeth can drift when you lose a neighbor, clench or after orthodontic treatment. Retainers prevent relapse after braces.
When to check
Visible movement, a changing bite, gum recession or gaps indicate a problem. X rays measure bone height. Treatment includes scaling and root planing, a night guard or a splint. In children, wiggly primary teeth are normal between ages 6 and 12, while adult teeth should stay firm. After trauma, loosening should be seen within 24 hours.
Based on data from the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists
