Sometimes, as you get older, you may notice that some of your teeth start to become loose.  While it was natural for teeth to become loose when you were a child, as an adult, this is not normal, nor is it good.  These loose teeth may be a sign of a more serious problem.

Often, loose teeth may be associated with painful and bleeding gums.  Your teeth may look longer, or you might be able to see more of your teeth as you look in the mirror.  It may appear that your gums have separated from your teeth, leaving gaps or a pocket.  You may notice that your teeth do not fit together the same when you bit down.  Possibly, you might see puss emerging from between your teeth and gums and have a constant bad taste in your mouth.

These signs might indicate periodontal disease or gum disease.  Periodontal disease is cause, quite frankly, by improper oral hygiene.  The bacteria in plaque infect your gums and teeth and can also spread to the gum tissues and the bones that support the teeth.  This can lead to loose teeth, the loss of teeth or even the need for extracting the teeth.

Periodontal disease causes irreversible damage to the teeth and gums.  Through thorough cleanings by your dentist and good oral hygiene, further damage can be prevented.  Your dentist may need to clean your teeth below the gum line to remove the plaque causing the infection.  He/she may also need to scale your teeth to remove any tartar buildup that has accumulated on your teeth.  Root planning may also be required to smooth irregularities in the roots where plaque may develop.  Regular dental checkups and cleanings will help prevent any further damage from periodontal disease.

Preventing loose teeth

The best method to treat periodontal disease is to prevent it from happening in the first place.  Good oral hygiene is the key.  Brush with fluoride toothpaste at lease twice per day and floss regularly. 

Herbal treatments for teeth and gums

          There are several herbs that help stimulate good oral health.  Many of these herbs can be applied as pack (a pinch of powder mixed with water and tucked against the teeth) or as a rinse.  Rinses can be prepared in a tea or simply mixed with water.  Hold the rinse in the mouth for a few minutes, gargle and spit it out. 

          One herb that is reported to work well is chaparral.  Other herbalists suggest alum, black pepper and turmeric as a massage to gums.  The fruit, amla, is considered a Ayurvedic rebuilder of oral health and can be taken as a rinse or in capsule form.

          Herbs that support the development of connective tissue will also benefit the gums.  Bilberry root and hawthorn berry can strengthen the gum tissue.  Licorice root helps prevent cavities, reduces plaque and contains antibacterial properties.

          Herbs that also help joints can also help strengthen the teeth against the bone.  Yellow dock root, alfalfa leaf, cinnamon bark and turmeric root are beneficial for not just teeth, but all joints throughout the body.

Something for the young people

          Did you know that the piercing of the tongue or lips can lead to gum disease?  Bacteria can get trapped and may accumulate on the piercing site.  The bacteria may spread to the cheek, gums and teeth causing periodontal disease. 

In a study conducted by the University of Maryland Dental School, they examined several patients who recently received oral piercing.  All of their test cases had already developed gingivitis, a precursor to gum disease.  In some cases, advanced periodontal disease had developed in as few as five months after the piercing.

So you may want to think twice before getting your tongue or lip pierced.  If you do get pierced, remember that good oral hygiene is needed, especially around the piercing site.

Good oral hygiene