TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Many people think that loose teeth are only experienced by children who are in the process of changing baby teeth. However, the reality is that this condition can also occur in adults and should not be underestimated. If you feel a tooth starting to loosen, even without an impact or injury, it may be a sign of problems with the supporting tissue of the teeth.
In adults, loose teeth are generally caused by gum disease (periodontitis) that infects the gums and damages the bone structure around the teeth. If left untreated, this condition can worsen the damage and eventually lead to tooth loss. “Loose teeth are a signal from the body that there is a serious problem with the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. The right treatment can help save your teeth,” said Periodontist Specialist Dentist at Bethsaida Hospital Dental Center Gading Serpong, RA Syanti W. Astuty, in a press release obtained by Tempo on December 28, 2025.
According to Syanti, loose teeth in adults should not be considered normal or equated with the condition of children’s teeth. In general, loose teeth in adults can be caused by conditions such as accidents, systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus), gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth grinding habits (bruxism). If left untreated, it will lead to tooth loss. “The high prevalence of gum disease is 74 percent in Indonesia, it occurs more often in women than men. This makes gum disease, called periodontitis, not to be underestimated. Proper treatment can prevent further damage to gum tissue and bone and prevent tooth loss,” he said.
To treat loose teeth in adults, professional treatment such as scaling, loose teeth braces, or periodontal surgery may be needed, depending on the cause. In addition, home care can help reduce worsening, such as gentle brushing, flossing, rinsing with seawater, and eating soft foods.
After the examination, the dentist will determine the appropriate treatment, which may include several approaches: stabilizing loose teeth by bonding them to other teeth to provide additional support, dental cleaning treatment to remove plaque and tartar that can cause further gum and bone problems, and tissue repair therapy to restore or stimulate the growth of damaged bone. Another option is bite adjustment therapy to balance the pressure on the teeth to prevent further damage. “Loose teeth can be fixed with proper treatment. Early detection helps prevent bigger problems in the future,” said Syanti.
Syanti added that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is not only a matter of medical care but also daily habits that can have a significant impact. Some simple steps that can be taken include brushing your teeth with the correct technique, twice a day. Then there is the routine step of scaling at least every six months to remove the stone. Third, people should avoid the habit of biting or rubbing hard objects, which may put too much pressure on the teeth. Also, good management of blood sugar levels, especially for those with a history of diabetes, is important because this condition can affect gum health. “These simple habits not only maintain healthy teeth and gums, but also contribute to overall body health,” Syanti said.
Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong Director Pitono said Bethsaida Hospital Dental Center Gading Serpong is equipped with modern technology such as 3D CBCT, Waterlase, laser dentistry and CAD/CAM dentistry to provide accurate dental care with minimal pain. “By combining the latest technology and the experience of specialist doctors, our goal is to provide comprehensive dental care tailored to the needs of patients,” said Pitono.
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