How To Strengthen Loose Teeth: Causes And Home Remedies

Simple tips and tricks to boost sum and teeth health easily at home.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Connelly, DDS
Written by Shaheen Naser, MSc
Edited by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Fact-checked by Dipti Sharma, MA (English)  • 

Loose teeth in adults are a sign of poor dental hygiene or oral diseases. Loose teeth make it difficult to chew your food properly, and leaving them untreated can lead to the surrounding tissues becoming red and swollen. To save yourself from all that discomfort, you can try several home remedies and follow a dental diet for loose teeth to alleviate the symptoms and provide relief. In this article, we deeply explore the several causes of loose teeth and home remedies one could try to keep the symptoms of loose teeth under control. Scroll down for more information.

What Causes Your Teeth To Become Loose?

Tooth decay causes loose teeth
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

For many, loose tooth issues arise from gum problems and bone loss (1). It happens when periodontitis, an infection, destroys the bone and soft tissues supporting the teeth. Other reasons for toothache, shaky and loose teeth include (2) :

    • Poor oral hygiene
    • Gum disease with plaque
    • Dental injuries or fractures
    • Tooth decay from sugary foods (2)
protip_icon Quick Tip
Keep your blood sugar levels under control, as the medications used for treating diabetes may cause salivary glands to produce less saliva and increase gum disease risk.
  • Osteoporosisi  XA condition in which declining bone mass prevents the regeneration of new bones to replace old ones and makes them prone to fracture. (3)

A study conducted on 471,107 US adults found that 30% lost one to five teeth, 10% lost six or more, and 5% lost all teeth respectively. Further, adults with copd were 14% more likely to have lost one to five teeth while 81% more likely to have lost six or more teeth respectively.

Although it is alarming, this dental medical condition is reversible. Let’s look at a few home remedies and dental herbs to set the wobbly tooth straight and make it strong.

Home Remedies For Loose Teeth

  1. Oil Pulling
  2. Amla Powder
  3. Calcium And Vitamin D Supplements
  4. Garlic
  5. Hydrogen Peroxide
  6. Mustard Oil And Honey
  7. Indian Redwood Bark Powder
  8. Turmeric And Long Pepper
  9. Baking Soda

1. Oil Pulling

The process of oil pulling or swishing the dental oil around in your mouth can help eliminate impurities by killing harmful microbes residing in the mouth. It can help maintain good oral hygiene and eliminate plaque (4). This may help fix loose teeth.

You Will Need

1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil (or sesame or olive oil)

What You Have To Do

  1. Before brushing your teeth in the morning, swish the oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Spit the oil out and rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.
  3. Brush your teeth as usual.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every morning. You can also do it once again before going to bed.

A vlogger tried the oil-pulling method and shared his experience in one of his vlogs: “I’ve actually had a problem with bad breath for a long time because I drink coffee on a daily basis. And I used to brush a lot. I used to drink a lot of water, but now I’m just doing this oil-pulling technique. It has reduced the bad breath by quite a lot, and it smells much better than before (i).”

2. Amla Powder

Amla powder to tighten loose teeth
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Amla or Indian gooseberry can help develop and support connective tissues (5). It can help in tissue regeneration and healing, leading to tightened teeth.

You Will Need

  • 1 teaspoon amla powder
  • 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

Mix the powder with water and rinse your mouth with this mixture. 

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day.

Note: Do not drink or eat anything for an hour following your rinsing routine.

3. Calcium And Vitamin D Supplements

Calcium and vitamin D are essential for teeth and bone health. A deficiency of these nutrients can cause the deterioration of dental health, leading to loose and shaky teeth. Studies suggest that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements increases tooth retention (6).

You Will Need

Vitamin D and calcium supplements

What You Have To Do

Consume the dental supplements as prescribed by your physician.

How Often You Should Do This

Follow the dosage as prescribed.

4. Garlic

Garlic to treat loose teeth
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Garlic is a strong antimicrobial agent (7). If your loose tooth is caused by an infection, placing the garlic on it can help in getting rid of the harmful microbes over time.

You Will Need

A garlic clove

What You Have To Do

  1. Slice the garlic into thin slivers and place one or two of these in between the gum of the affected tooth and your inner cheek.
  2. Leave this on for as long as possible.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 2-3 times a day.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide thoroughly eliminates all bacteria present in and around the loose tooth (8). These microbes are one of the most common reasons for loose teeth as a result of infection, cavity, and/or plaque.

You Will Need

3% hydrogen peroxide solution

What You Have To Do

  1. Take a tablespoon or so of hydrogen peroxide solution in your mouth and swish it around for a minute.
  2. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with plain water.
  3. Follow this up with your regular teeth brushing.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once or twice every day.

6. Mustard Oil And Honey

Mustard Oil And Honey
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Mustard oil and honey are antibacterial agents with many potential benefits. A mixture of these natural ingredients can help strengthen gums and tighten loose teeth. This is usually used as an endodontic (related to the soft tissues in the tooth) medication owing to its antibacterial property (9).

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

  1. Add the oil drops to the salt and make a paste.
  2. Massage this gently over the affected area as well as the surrounding area for a minute or two.
  3. Rinse your mouth with warm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this oil and salt paste once every day for 2-3 days, and then use it once every few days.

7. Indian Redwood Bark Powder

The resin present in the bark of this tree has been traditionally used to treat dental diseases and infections. Studies show that the bark extracts of Indian Redwood have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to maintain oral hygiene(10).

You Will Need

Indian Redwood bark powder

What You Have To Do

  1. Take a pea-sized amount of the powder on a clean finger and give a dental massage to the affected area with it.
  2. Rinse your mouth clean with water.
  3. You can add some black walnut powder to the bark powder for added benefits.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice daily.

8. Turmeric And Long Pepper

The active component of turmeric, known as curcumin, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties (11). Massaging the teeth with ground turmeric can reduce pain and inflammation. Indian long pepper possesses analgesici  XThe property of an agent or drug that relieves pain caused or accompanied by a number of physical conditions. , anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that can also help eliminate the pain that arises at the affected site (12).

You Will Need

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon long pepper powder

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix the powders and massage the mixture gently on your gums.
  2. After you have diligently massaged your gums for about two minutes, rinse the mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this daily to make your teeth and gums stronger. 

Note: Ensure you don’t eat or drink for the next 30 minutes after using this powder.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Wear a bite splint to avoid grinding or clenching your teeth as you may otherwise damage your teeth.

9. Baking Soda

Baking soda may help improve oral health by acting as a mild abrasive that removes surface stains and plaque (13). Its alkaline nature may also help neutralize mouth acids, preventing tooth decay and gum disease (14).

You Will Need

  • A pinch of baking soda

What You Have To Do

  1. Dampen your toothbrush and dip it into the baking soda.
  2. Gently brush your teeth and gums.
  3. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this method sparingly, as excessive use of baking soda may erode tooth enamel.

It is best to check with your dentist before using any of the remedies mentioned above and follow their recommendations to improve your dental health.

We have now seen different ways on how to tighten loose teeth at home easily. Remember, these remedies are completely natural and might take a while to show results. We will now see how you can prevent the occurrence of loose teeth.

Prevention Tips

Woman brushing teeth to prevent loose teeth
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Here are a few ways by which you can prevent your teeth from becoming loose:

  • Make it a habit to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Apart from brushing, you must floss between your teeth regularly.
  • Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol.
  • Make sure to consult your dentist regularly to determine if you are maintaining good oral hygiene.
  • If you are into extreme sports, you must wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
  • Consult your doctor to see if you need to take vitamin D and calcium supplements to help prevent osteoporosis.

Infographic: 5 Home Remedies For Loose Teeth

Loose teeth are painful to deal with. Not only do they cause you discomfort, but they can act as a gateway to infections, plaque buildup, and other gum-related issues. Thankfully, there are some easy at-home remedies that can ease any discomfort and help resolve this issue.

Check out the infographic below to know about the top 5 home remedies to try if you have a loose tooth.

5 home remedies for loose teeth (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The home remedies for loose teeth alleviate and relieve the associated symptoms. Poor oral hygiene, gum diseases, or dental injuries may cause loose teeth. , which may, at a later stage, result in tooth extraction, dental implants, or dental bridges if not taken care of. Go for routine checkups with your dentist for dental scaling, dental bonding, and dental polishing and maintain your oral hygiene. It can be managed with remedies like oil pulling, garlic, Indian redwood bark powder, Amla powder, calcium, and vitamin D supplements. Mustard oil, honey, long pepper, and turmeric are also effective in managing loose teeth. As these remedies are natural, the results will take time. Additionally, prevention tips like brushing twice, flossingi  XThe act of using an interdental cleaner (floss) made of nylon strands to remove food particles and plaque stuck between the teeth. , , dental veneers, dental flossingi, maintaining oral hygiene, dental rinsing, and avoiding excess consumption of alcohol and smoking help prevent loose teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for teeth to be loose after using dental braces?

Braces are meant to readjust the position of your teeth and align them properly. This implies that your teeth may feel loose with braces initially, but after you have completed your course of wearing braces, your teeth will no longer feel loose.

What is a splint for your teeth?

A dental splint is used to give extra support to loosened teeth until they heal. Lesser biting pressure is experienced after splinting, thus causing no damage to the already loosened teeth.

Is losing your teeth hereditary?

Certain issues, such as receding gums, which can be a genetic condition, can lead to loose teeth more often than usual. There are other genetic factors that can make you more prone to gum diseases and cavitiesi  XDamaged areas in teeth that are characterized by discolored holes and openings due to poor dental hygiene. . These can also lead to loose teeth.

How long does a loose tooth take to heal?

If the dental surgery involves the use of a splint to set your loose tooth, it can take between 3-8 weeks, depending on the severity of the case.

Can a loose tooth tighten itself back up?

Yes, a loose tooth can tighten back up on its own. However, this depends on the cause and how loose the tooth is. For instance, a tooth that has become shaky due to an injury can tighten in a week or two.

Should you brush a loose tooth?

No, you should not brush a loose tooth as it may loosen even further. You can instead clean your teeth by swishing around some water or dental mouthwash inside the mouth.

Does milk help a loose tooth?

The numerous proteins found in milk can help promote oral health and make your teeth stronger (15). It may prevent the loosening of teeth and improve gum health.

Key Takeaways

  • There are various home remedies that can help strengthen loose teeth, including oil pulling, garlic, and amla powder.
  • Brushing twice a day, flossing your teeth, and following the right dental nutrition regularly is important if you want to avoid gum disease and maintain strong teeth.
  • Consult your doctor if you have concerns about loose teeth for a proper check-up and advice on the best course of action.
  • Avoiding sugary foods and quitting smoking can aid in improving your oral health and preventing gum disease.
home remedies for loose teeth

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Periodontal disease and systemic conditions: a bidirectional relationship, Odontology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2443711/
  2. Soft drinks and dental health: A review of the current literature, Journal of Dentistry, ResearchGate.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7606316_Soft_drinks_and_dental_health_A_review_of_the_current_literature
  3. Impact of Osteoporosis and Its Treatment on Oral Health, The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, ResearchGate.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236184877_Impact_of_Osteoporosis_and_Its_Treatment_on_Oral_Health
  4. Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene – A review, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198813/
  5. Role of Ayurveda in management of oral health, Pharmacognosy Reviews, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931197/
  6. Influence of Vitamin D & Calcium Supplementation in the Management of Periodontitis, JDCR, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4525604/
  7. Antimicrobial properties of allicin from garlic, Microbes and Infection, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10594976
  8. Effect of hydrogen peroxide on developing plaque and gingivitis in man, Journal of Clinical Periodontology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/379049
  9. Efficacy of camphorated paramonochlorophenol to a mixture of honey and mustard oil as a root canal medicament, Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15456545
  10. Studies on In Vitro Antioxidant, 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitory and Anticancer Properties of Soymida febrifuga A.Juss Stem Bark Extracts, ResearchGate.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263655709_Studies_on_In_Vitro_Antioxidant_5-Lipoxygenase_Inhibitory_and_Anticancer_Properties_of_Soymida_febrifuga_AJuss_Stem_Bark_Extracts
  11. Role of curcumin in systemic and oral health: An overview, Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633300/
  12. Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers to Treat Oral Health Problems in Cameroon, Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606091/
  13. Combined use of baking soda and electric toothbrushing for removal of artificial extrinsic stain on enamel surface: An in vitro study
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8760959/
  14. The efficacy of baking soda dentifrice in controlling plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6850485/
  15. Milk helps build strong teeth and promotes oral health
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16900979/
Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

Latest Articles