ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Dental Mobility

What is dental mobility?

23 January 2026

This is a dental condition that consists of the deficient fixation of the teeth within the surrounding tissues that anchor them, causing abnormal displacement and movement. This is due to progressive damage to the periodontal ligament caused by infectious processes in the gums, bone, and ligaments, the origin of which lies in the germs that make up bacterial plaque.

The main cause of dental mobility is the accumulation of bacterial plaque, which over time turns into tartar (calculus). Tartar can no longer be removed with daily brushing and can only be eliminated by visiting the dentist for a thorough cleaning.

Poor dental hygiene habits or incorrect brushing technique are often the source of bacterial plaque accumulation, tartar formation, and destruction of the periodontal ligament, leading to loosening and dental mobility.

If tartar is allowed to continue accumulating, the gums will continue a process of recession that will reduce the supportive structure of the teeth, simultaneously causing bone loss until all support is eliminated and it becomes necessary to remove the affected teeth.

The main complication of dental mobility lies in the progressive exposure of the roots, leading to aesthetic and functional alterations.

Other causes of dental mobility include:

  • Deficient alignment of the teeth.
  • Abnormal bite (malocclusion).
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding).
  • Incomplete dentition (missing teeth).
  • Gum problems (periodontal disease).
  • Trauma.
  • Injuries.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Diabetes.

The degree of dental mobility is classified as follows:

  • Grade I: Horizontal movement between 1 and 2 mm. It can usually be corrected with a scaling and root planing procedure, maintaining adequate hygiene after every meal, and using mouthwash and dental floss.
  • Grade 2: Horizontal movement greater than 2 mm. Requires a procedure similar to the previous one, but deeper, plus splinting (fixing the mobile teeth to stable adjacent teeth), while maintaining the same hygiene habits mentioned.

Grade 3: Horizontal and vertical movement greater than 3 mm. The tooth moves in all angles and directions, making the preservation of the tooth practically unviable.

When a tooth has extreme mobility in all angles and directions, it will be necessary to extract it and seek the appropriate rehabilitation procedure, either through bridges, dentures, or dental implants.

Prevention of Dental Mobility:

  • Maintain adequate oral hygiene.
  • Attend regular check-ups with the dentist to perform professional cleanings if necessary.

Centro Médico ABC invites you to take care of your dental health with our professional team of highly qualified dentists with a strong ethical sense and supported by cutting-edge technology, which guarantees a maximum quality and safe service in our comfortable and functional facilities with all the latest dental advances, achieving fast care with a high degree of precision and efficiency.

Related centers and departments Dental Mobility

Dental Health
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • healthychildren.org
  • ilikemyteeth.org
  • sanitas.es
  • topdoctors.es
  • dentalcare.com.mx
  • mouthhealthy.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Díaz GLM, Lee GEA. Medicina bucal ejercicio de Autoevaluación. Rev ADM. 2010;67(1):39-40.
  • Pérez OR, Sánchez HHA, Corona ZA. Prevalence and severity of chronic periodontal disease in adolescents and adults. Oral. 2011;12(39):799-804.
  • González RS, Llanes RM, Fernández PE. Tratamiento ortodóncico en paciente adulta con Periodontitis crónica controlada. Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas. 2019;18(5):741-751.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.