An Emergency Guide for a Loose Adult Tooth

June 2, 2025

Woman covering her mouth in shock

You know that baby teeth are eventually supposed to fall out, so it’s not a big deal when they become loose. If the wiggly pearly white in question happens to be a fully grown adult, though, the situation is far more concerning. Rightfully so, this can be considered a dental emergency.

With gentle care and some help from your dentist, you might be able to save your tooth. This guide will tell you what to do!

Call Your Emergency Dentist

First and foremost, contact your emergency dentist in Commack to get an appointment on the books. Since this is an urgent situation, your dental team will do their best to see you on the same day you call. They’ll also provide first aid guidance if necessary.

Don’t Touch Your Tooth

Not even a little bit. Giving your wiggler a tap with your finger or tongue could make it more loose or dislodge it altogether. For the same reason, you should avoid eating with the side of your mouth that has the loose tooth.

Choose Your Snacks Wisely

Crunchy, hard, chewy foods could also make your tooth fall out, or potentially damage it. Instead of snacking on things like popcorn, taffy, and nuts, choose wisely and opt for soft foods. Cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are a few good examples.

Be Careful When Brushing

It’s important to keep your mouth clean and free from bacteria. Loose teeth can be particularly vulnerable, so good hygiene can help prevent things from getting worse. However, you shouldn’t directly brush or floss your affected pearly white. Avoid scrubbing the surrounding area with your toothbrush. Instead, mix a bit of salt with warm water and gently swish.

Receive Emergency Dental Treatment

When you arrive at your dentist’s office for emergency treatment, you likely won’t have to do much other than answer a few questions. Your dental team will take over from here, starting with an oral exam. Depending on what caused your tooth to become loose, they might support it with a splint or recommend a treatment like gum disease therapy. Extraction will always be a last resort, but know that if your tooth is no longer viable, removing it is best for your dental health.

Hopefully you’ll only ever encounter a loose adult tooth in your dreams. If it does become wiggly while you’re awake, your emergency dentist in Commack will be ready to help with prompt diagnosis and treatment. Don’t hesitate to call for urgent assistance!

About the Author

Dr. Publio Silfa offers same-day, after-hours, and weekend emergency dental care for patients who need it. He and his team prioritize your comfort and convenience – which is also why they’re happy to administer dental sedation if you’re nervous or have dental anxiety. To make an emergency appointment for your loose adult tooth, call Dr. Silfa’s office directly at (631) 646-1555 so he and his team can respond quickly.

Silfa dental Aesthetics