Concern
Adult tooth moving
Main cause
Gum disease
Other causes
Injury, grinding
Key
See your dentist early
Overview
An adult tooth should not feel loose. When one does, the most common cause is gum disease, where the bone and fibres that hold the tooth have been damaged.
Other causes include an injury or grinding. The sooner it is checked, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
What to know
- Adult teeth should not feel loose
- Gum disease is the most common cause
- Injury or grinding can also loosen a tooth
- Early treatment improves the chance of saving it
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause
Common questions
Why is my tooth loose?
Most often gum disease has damaged the support around it. Injury or heavy grinding can also be to blame.
Can a loose tooth tighten again?
Sometimes, if the cause is treated early. Severe loosening may mean the tooth cannot be kept.
What treatment might I need?
It depends on the cause, from gum treatment and a night guard to splinting or, at times, removal.
Is a loose tooth an emergency?
It is best seen promptly, especially after an injury, to give the tooth the best chance.
Related topics
Gum disease (periodontitis)
A bacterial infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth.
Non-surgical periodontal therapy
A deep clean below the gumline to treat gum disease without surgery.
Bruxism (grinding & clenching)
Grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep and without knowing.
Receding gums
Gums that pull back from the teeth, exposing more of the root.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026