loose tooth A loose tooth is normally (apart from an injury) the result of gum disease in adults. it's caused by bacteria around the base of the teeth. If the bacteria are not removed a condition called chronic periodontitis can develop. This is an inflammatory disease of the structures which support the teeth. These structures include the ligaments of the teeth, the gums and the bone of the tooth socket.  As the disease progresses a gap opens up between the gum and tooth. This space between the gum and the tooth, called the pocket, gets deeper over time.    As the pocket extends cleaning with a normal toothbrush and dental floss does not remove all the bacteria, so the destruction continues.   The disease may reach an advanced stage without causing any pain or symptoms, and therefore can only be detected by the dentist measuring the pocket depths and taking radiographs.    If a diagnosis is made early most cases can be successfully treated. If left undiagnosed and untreated early tooth loss can occur. Most people who have periodontal diseases aren't even aware of it. It's rarely painful, especially in it's early stages. The main cause of periodontal diseases is the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. It's hard to see plaque, but it can be seen by staining it with disclosing tablets (containing a dye) which color the plaque red or blue. Plaque must be completely remove each day or it builds up and mineralizes to become tartar. It takes a professional to remove hard tartar, there's no way for you to remove it at home safely. A toothbrush or floss won't remove it. If tartar isn't removed, it spreads onto the root surfaces, causing damage and bad breath. Other signs of periodontal disease include: Persistent bad breath Bleeding of gums when brushing or flossing Soft, swollen or tender gums Gums lifting away from the teeth Loose teeth Changes in the spaces between your teeth, which reflect changes in the underlying bone levels   It's important to remember you can have periodontal diseases and still experience none of these symptoms. Your Dentist or Specialist can give you specific advice and monitoring. This is another reason to ensure you have regular Dental check-ups to discover gum problems early.