At Inima Dental Clinic Marbella, one of our main goals is to help you preserve not only your teeth but also their stability. Tooth mobility is an issue that can affect patients of all ages and, if left untreated, may lead to tooth loss and other oral health problems.
In this article, we explain what tooth mobility is, its main causes, and the available treatments.
What Is Tooth Mobility?
Tooth mobility refers to the abnormal movement of a tooth within its socket (the bone cavity that supports the tooth). While some slight mobility can be normal in children or after certain dental treatments, in adults it is usually a sign of problems in the gums, bone, or tooth root.
Main Causes of Tooth Mobility
Periodontal disease: Periodontitis is the most common cause. This gum infection progressively destroys the alveolar bone that supports the teeth, leading to looseness.
Trauma or injury: Accidents, falls, or direct blows to the mouth can cause temporary or permanent loosening of teeth.
Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching): Constant grinding puts excessive pressure on teeth and gums, weakening their support.
Bone loss: Loss of dental bone, whether due to disease or missing adjacent teeth, can cause mobility in nearby teeth.
Bite problems or malocclusion: Misaligned teeth can cause uneven distribution of chewing forces, affecting tooth stability.
Systemic or genetic factors: Conditions like osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, or certain genetic predispositions can increase the risk of tooth mobility.
Symptoms of Tooth Mobility
Teeth that feel loose or move when touched or while chewing
Pain or discomfort when chewing
Gum inflammation or bleeding
Tooth sensitivity
Changes in the bite
Treatments for Tooth Mobility
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the mobility:
Periodontal treatment: In cases of periodontitis, we carry out deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, followed by periodontal maintenance.
Stabilisation splints: Temporary or permanent splints can be used to join loose teeth and evenly distribute pressure.
Bite correction: Orthodontic treatment or bite adjustments can help correct imbalances in force distribution.
Bone replacement or regeneration: In cases of bone loss, bone grafts or dental implants may be recommended, depending on the case.
Bruxism treatment: The use of night guards helps protect the teeth and reduce pressure on their support structures.
How to Prevent Tooth Mobility
Maintain excellent oral hygiene: brushing, flossing, and mouthwash
Attend regular dental check-ups
Treat gum issues or bruxism early
Avoid tobacco and stress, which affect gum and bone health
Replace missing teeth to avoid overloading adjacent ones
At Inima Dental Clinic, We Protect Your Smile
Tooth mobility should never be ignored. At Inima Dental Clinic Marbella, we offer advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment plans, and professional follow-up to preserve your teeth and the health of your gums and bone.
If you notice a tooth is moving or experience pain when chewing, don’t wait—early assessment can make all the difference.