A loose adult tooth is a tooth that moves, wobbles, or feels unstable when touched or during chewing.
Adult teeth should never be mobile, and any movement usually indicates trauma, infection, gum disease, or damage to the structures supporting the tooth.
Yes — any movement in an adult tooth should be professionally assessed as a matter of urgency, as early evaluation greatly improves the chance of stabilising and preserving the tooth.
Assessment within a structured emergency dentistry framework helps determine whether the mobility is caused by trauma, infection, or damage to the supporting tissues, and which stabilising steps are appropriate.
Immediate dental emergency (seek care today):
Same-day urgent dental problem:
Possibly non-urgent (still needs assessment):
Very slight movement without pain or infection
The earlier a loose tooth is treated, the greater the chance it can be stabilised and saved.
Identifying the cause is essential to determine whether the tooth can be stabilised.
A loose adult tooth rarely stabilises without treatment and often becomes more difficult to save over time.
Short-term risks:
Medium-term risks:
Severe outcomes:
Treatment focuses on identifying the cause, stabilising the tooth, and preventing further damage.
At Deepcar Dental, loose adult teeth are assessed by our clinical team led by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, GDC-registered Principal Dentist with advanced training in restorative and digital dentistry. Same-day assessment is available where clinically appropriate.
Yes, if treated early and the cause is reversible, such as trauma or infection.
No. Trauma, infection, grinding, or cracks can also cause mobility.
No. This can worsen damage. Keep it still and seek care urgently.
A loose adult tooth is always a warning sign. Prompt assessment can stabilise the tooth, prevent infection, and reduce the risk of permanent tooth loss.