What You Need to Know About Tooth Mobility
Posted on November 26, 2025
As an adult, you may find that your fully grown, primary (adult) teeth are feeling loose or shaky. Generally, your adult teeth are the last natural teeth you have that can grow in, so once you start to experience a lack of stability, it’s important to consider treatment options like periodontal flap surgery or gum grafting to better secure that tooth in place or replacement options such as dental implants in Whitby to restore missing functionality from a lost tooth. If you have noticed a wiggly, loose, or moving tooth, contact Dr. Adam Ohayon, a leading periodontist serving Whitby, Oshawa, and the surrounding areas, for an assessment. Our team of experts will build a custom treatment plan so you can extend the longevity of your smile.
Here is what you need to know about unexpected tooth mobility and when to see a medical professional like a periodontist.
When is Tooth Mobility Abnormal?
Tooth mobility refers to how much a tooth can move within its socket. Teeth have a small amount of natural movement under chewing forces. This is not only normal, but it is also part of how your teeth absorb pressure during everyday activities, so slight movement can be normal, especially after orthodontic treatment or physical impact. However, teeth that feel noticeably loose when chewing, brushing, or applying light pressure likely indicate a deeper oral issue, such as bone loss or gum disease. The best way to assess your tooth mobility as the start is via regular check-ups with your local dentist. If they’ve highlighted serious movements, talk to a professional periodontist like Dr. Adam Ohayon.
What Causes Adult Teeth to Move?
Movement in your teeth becomes more serious as the movement or mobility becomes more pronounced. When adult teeth are mobile, it is typically the result of a serious injury or gum disease.
Gum disease causes infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. As the bone recedes and the ligaments weaken, the tooth loses support. Poor dental hygiene, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and other conditions can speed this up. You may need periodontal flap surgery to clean deep pockets around the tooth or gum grafting to rebuild lost tissue and stabilize the tooth. Trauma, teeth grinding, and even large fillings that change the bite can also cause a tooth to loosen. It’s important to mitigate tooth loss whenever possible, as this can preserve your oral health and contribute to better overall health by maintaining your access to nutrition and improving self-esteem.
How to Preserve Your Gums
Gum health is a key part of stability, as it is a critical structure responsible for keeping your teeth in place. Maintaining consistent brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings helps prevent gum disease. If the disease has already advanced, you may require periodontal flap surgery or gum grafting. These treatments help remove infection and support the regeneration of tissue, so your tooth regains support. A specialist like your local periodontist in Whitby can guide you through what is needed based on your exam and imaging results.
How to Preserve Bone Density
The jaw bone supports every tooth in your mouth. When that bone starts to deteriorate, your tooth can loosen, but also, when a tooth is lost, your bone density will eventually decline, resulting in less stable teeth.
If a tooth is lost or must be removed, you may be a candidate for dental implants in Whitby. Dental implants are highly recommended by leading doctors, including Dr. Ohayon, as they act as artificial roots and help maintain bone with every bite you take. For teeth that are still present but unstable, your dentist may recommend localized bone grafts or regenerative procedures to strengthen the foundation.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Tooth Loss
Dental implants in Whitby are often the preferred solution for patients with severe tooth mobility or missing teeth. They offer a permanent and natural-looking alternative that supports nearby teeth, preserves facial structure, and improves chewing and speaking ability. Because implants are rooted directly in the jaw bone, they also help prevent the bone resorption that often follows tooth loss.
Preserve Your Smile with Your Trusted Periodontist in Whitby and Oshawa
Dr. Adam Ohayon is here to help you revitalize your smile. Don’t succumb to the effects of gum disease. Investing in your smile is an investment in a better, healthier tomorrow. Talk to our team to get started