Teeth are held in place by bone and fibres that attach them to the jaw. Periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease, gradually destroys this support. Loose teeth are often one of the later signs, but treatment can still help stabilise them and prevent further damage.
Bacteria in plaque cause inflammation that spreads below the gumline. Over time, the body's response breaks down the fibres and bone that support teeth, creating pockets and leaving teeth less stable.
Bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, gaps appearing between teeth, changes in your bite and teeth that feel loose are all warning signs.
Deep cleaning below the gumline removes bacteria and tartar. Some patients need additional treatment, such as surgical cleaning or regenerative procedures. Splinting loose teeth and adjusting the bite can help stabilise them.
After treatment, regular periodontal maintenance visits every three months or as advised help keep the disease under control.
Excellent home care, stopping smoking and managing conditions like diabetes improve outcomes.
To assess how gum disease has affected your teeth, your dentist measures the depth of the gum pockets around each tooth with a fine probe. Healthy gums usually have shallow pockets, while deeper pockets suggest that the gum and bone have detached from the tooth. X-rays show the level of bone around each tooth and help identify areas of significant bone loss. Tooth mobility is also recorded. These measurements help your dentist plan treatment and monitor progress over time. Comparing measurements at follow-up visits shows whether treatment is working and whether the disease is stable.
When teeth have lost significant support, they may move when you bite or chew. Splinting involves bonding the loose teeth to neighbouring teeth with a thin wire or fibre and tooth-coloured material. This spreads biting forces across several teeth, making them more stable and comfortable. Splinting is often used alongside gum treatment and can be temporary or long term. Splinted teeth need careful cleaning, as food and plaque can collect around the splint. Your hygienist will show you how to clean around it using interdental brushes or special floss threaders.
Diabetes and gum disease are closely connected. Poorly controlled blood sugar increases the risk and severity of gum disease, and gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control. People with diabetes are more likely to experience bone loss and loose teeth if gum disease is not treated. Working with your doctor to manage blood sugar, combined with thorough gum treatment and regular maintenance, can improve both oral and general health. If you have diabetes, let your dentist know and attend regular gum checks, as early detection and treatment are key to protecting your teeth.
Sometimes, after gum disease is treated, teeth may become firmer.
Not necessarily. Early treatment can stop progression and save teeth.
Gingivitis is reversible. Periodontitis can be controlled but lost bone may not fully regrow.
Book a gum assessment if your teeth feel loose. Learn more about professional teeth cleaning in Al Ain.
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