What does this mean?
A tooth hangs in bone by fibres of connective tissue, and its position is set by the balance of forces acting on it. When that balance changes, the tooth drifts slowly into a new position. In an adult, front teeth opening up is the most visible sign of this.
There are two usual routes. In gum disease the bony support diminishes and the tooth can no longer resist force. In clenching, the force itself is far above normal. When both are present the movement accelerates markedly.
Behind the shifting there is usually bone loss, excessive force, or the space left by a missing tooth.
Likely causes
What helps at home?
- Track the change with photographs; a comparison helps the diagnosis
- If you have a missing tooth, do not wait for the space to close; neighbouring teeth tip into it
- Have any clenching habit assessed
- Movement increasing quickly over months
- Your bite changing noticeably
- Bleeding or recession alongside the movement
- Looseness in the tooth
Frequently asked questions
- Why do teeth shift in an adult?
- Because a tooth's position is not fixed but depends on a balance of forces. Bone loss, excessive force or a missing tooth upsets that balance.
- Will orthodontics solve it?
- It can realign the teeth, but the cause has to be addressed first. Movement carried out before gum disease is under control does not last.
This content is for general information and does not replace an in-person examination. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and a diagnosis can only be made clinically.