In the 'Symptoms - Head - Mouth/Oral' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about loose teeth:
 |
 |
 |
|
Are any of your teeth noticeably loose? A very small amount of tooth movement is normal. Only mention movement that seems to be more than it used to be or which is accompanied by pain. Do not include teeth that are loose due to past trauma/injury.
|
Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Don't know" |
|
|
| 2. |
"No" |
No loose or weak teeth |
A risk factor |
| 3. |
"Yes, one" |
Loose teeth |
A risk factor |
| 4. |
"2-4" |
Loose teeth |
A risk factor |
| 5. |
"More than 4 teeth" |
Loose teeth |
A risk factor |
|
|
 |
|
 |
Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
|
|
|
|
| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
|
|
3 |
4 |
5 |
Osteoporosis - Osteopenia |
Several studies show that people with loose or weak teeth are at increased risk for developing osteoporosis.
[J Bone Miner Res. 1993 (Dec); 8 (Suppl 2): pp.S443-S606]
[J Am Dent Assoc. 1993; 124: pp.49-56]
[J Bone Miner Res. 1994; 9 (Suppl 1): p.S211]
[Lancet Editorial 1995 (April 8); 345: pp.876] |
|
|
3 |
4 |
5 |
Periodontal Disease - Gingivitis |
As gingivitis progresses, the gums recede and the supporting structure of bone is lost. Teeth loosen, sometimes causing a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when biting down or a change in the fit of partial dentures. |
|
|
|
|
|
GLOSSARY
Gingivitis
Inflammation of the fibrous tissues that surround the teeth.
Osteoporosis
A disease in which bone tissue becomes porous and brittle. The disease primarily affects postmenopausal women.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
|
 |
|
|
