Unknowingly pushing your teeth with your tongue, and you hear a click. Now, that can be alarming. Are you losing your teeth? But it’s too soon! What could be going wrong? These thoughts probably rush to your head instantly. What’s worse is when the annoying clicking doesn’t quit, even when you eat, talk, or drink. You fear that any day now, your teeth will pop out.
However, thankfully, your teeth are probably as intact as ever. According to Dr. Venkat Koppuravuri (Dr.K) from Shopton Dental, “The friction between teeth can cause clicking or popping sounds when they move.”
But why do teeth move? It’s because of the pink stuff that holds them in place, which is made of naturally flexible ligaments. So, your teeth might be capable of more movement than you thought. However, don’t ignore your clicking teeth. It can also be a sign of underlying issues that should be treated. Keep reading to learn more about why teeth make clicking sounds when pushed.
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Root Causes of Teeth Clicking
Many people feel stressed when they hear their teeth click when pushed. And the worst part is that since this noise is usually repetitive, it can cause extreme dental anxiety. However, this constant click might be a tell-tale sign of some dental issues. Here are some possible reasons why your teeth might be noisy:
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
As Cleveland Clinic defines, bruxism occurs when you clench, grind, or gnash your teeth. This is especially damaging during long hours of sleep, as the brain won’t signal it to stop. Excessive grinding can cause ligaments that fuse the gums and teeth to loosen.
Periodontic Diseases
Diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis can weaken gums, so your teeth won’t be as securely attached without proper gum health.
Natural Flexibility
Even though our teeth feel like they’re unmoveable, they do move slightly. The ligaments that fuse our teeth to the gums are flexible, giving them the ability to wiggle. This movement can result in clicking sounds when pressure is applied.
Tongue Thrust:
You might not realize it, but tongue thrusting can result in teeth loosening over time. If you constantly push your teeth with your tongue, they will become prone to movement.
How to Stop Teeth From Clicking?
Clicking teeth doesn’t mean you are sentenced to toothlessness in the future. However, the habit can be anxiety-inducing. It can be hard to fight the urge to push teeth, especially when you do it subconsciously. Here are some strategies you could use to control it:
Mouth guards
Regularly using a mouthguard can help protect teeth from grinding and preserve their integrity.
Reducing tongue thrust
Exercises to improve your tongue’s posture and retraining it to rest properly can stop it from applying pressure to your teeth.
Look out for gum disease
Weak gums can cause teeth to move slightly. It could indicate the early stages of periodontal disease. Get checked out for any issues in your gums.
Bone health
A nutritious diet with calcium and vitamin D can strengthen bone health. Taking care of your bones affects the strength of your teeth.
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Is Teeth Clicking Normal? When To Worry
Dr.K answered, “Applying pressure to teeth can move them since the ligaments they are anchored to are pliable. You don’t need to worry if there are no inflamed gums and your teeth are in good condition.”
On the other hand, you should worry if you experience excessive wiggling while brushing or flossing. According to Healthline, tooth looseness can be marked by the tooth losing support and slowly detaching from the gums and bone. Symptoms that you should watch out for are:
- Toothache or sharp pains
- Increasing sensitivity to hot and cold
- Excessive movement of the tooth
- Swelling around the area of the tooth
- Redness and inflammation of the gums
- Gums that bleed easily
Wrapping Up
So, why do teeth make clicking sounds when pushed? It’s all because of friction and the soft ligaments that can cause your permanent teeth to shift slightly. However, get a dental professional involved if the movement is too frequent or accompanied by other symptoms.
Additionally, teeth naturally shift over time, some more than others. Recent oral health advancements can solve all your dental issues, even a loose tooth. Remember, don’t brave your dental health journey alone! Get regular check-ups and preserve your bite.