Question
Why do teeth become loose during a cold? How does the loosening of teeth improve on its own after a cold?
Answer
Teeth loosening is mostly caused by periodontal disease, especially with the lower front teeth being most susceptible to becoming loose first. Periodontal disease is a chronic, progressive condition that involves the destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues, primarily affecting the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. It is not easily cured completely and should be given attention to prevention and early treatment. The etiology of periodontal disease is complex, with most cases having obvious etiological factors in the oral region, such as dental calculus and dental plaque. Besides tooth loosening and weakness in chewing, symptoms may include gum bleeding, gum recession, alveolar bone resorption, increased interdental spaces, and food impaction. Treatment should focus on regional dental specialty care and regular full-mouth periodontal scaling (cleaning), while maintaining proper brushing habits in the morning and evening. Periodontal disease is not related to calcium deficiency. If you feel your teeth are loose, it’s best to have a professional examination to confirm whether they are truly loose and receive targeted treatment.