Loose tooth

A tooth may be loose for one of several reasons. Decide the reason before giving the treatment.

IF THE TOOTH IS LOOSE BECAUSE

THE BEST TREATMENT

a new permanent tooth is growing under it.

gum disease or an old abscess has eaten the bone around its roots.

its root has been broken.

the bone around its root is cracked. (The bone moves when you push against the tooth.) 1. Tell the mother and child what is happening. 2. Pull out the loose baby tooth, if it is hurting the child.

1. Take out the tooth, especially if it also hurts. 2. Explain to the person what to do to prevent this problem in other teeth. (See Chapter 5.)

Take out both parts of the tooth. If you have trouble taking out the broken root, leave it and try again a week later.

Do not take out the tooth . If you do, the bone will come out with it. Instead, hold the tooth with wires (page 110).

A tooth may also be loose because another tooth is biting too hard against it.

SIGNS:

• You can feel the tooth move when the upper and lower teeth meet. • That tooth hurts.

TREATMENT:

You need to remove a bit of each of the teeth that are biting too hard. Use either a dental worker’s drill, a small file, or a hard stone.

1 . Smooth the inside edge of the upper tooth. 2 . Smooth the outside edge of the lower tooth.