To learn more about the health benefits a straighter smile can provide, keep reading!
Easier Oral Care, Less Dental Disease
When you have crooked teeth, food debris is far more capable of getting caught in between them. Not only does this make brushing and flossing more difficult, but bacteria is more likely to develop plaque in these areas. Since these surfaces were harder to clean and reach in the first place, it will likely be more difficult for dentists to clean them once tartar develops. Tartar is a calcified form of dental plaque that only dentists can remove.
In comparison, straight teeth are smooth throughout and don’t have any gaps whatsoever. This makes them easier to clean and far less likely to collect food debris.
An Even Bite Reduces Future Issues
When teeth are crooked or the bite is uneven, there are huge implications if they’re left untreated. Crooked teeth are more likely to rub up against each other, resulting in an accelerated rate of enamel erosion. Once enamel is eroded, it’s gone for good, so it’s imperative that you have them straightened.
Additionally, uneven bites, (or malocclusions) don’t only affect your ability to chew food. They also can increase the risk of chronic teeth grinding and clenching. If left untreated, this condition (also referred to as bruxism) can develop into a far more severe condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. The temporomandibular joint connects the lower mandible to the skull and is responsible for all the complex movements your jaw makes.
If this joint experiences too much stress, it can result in chronic jaw pain, headaches, earaches, neck and upper back pain, disruptions in sleep and a generally lower quality of life. Correcting malocclusions and crooked teeth now carries benefits that can last a lifetime.
Better Health Overall
As mentioned before, crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean. While this can result in higher rates of tooth decay and gum disease, it’s important to acknowledge the overall health effects that come with these dental diseases.
Tooth decay can ultimately cause an oral infection or abscess, which has the potential to be deadly due to its close proximity to the brain. Gum disease only allows oral bacteria to travel through the bloodstream as the connective tissues separating the mouth and body break down. Multiple studies have shown oral bacteria is capable of clogging arteries and causing blood clots, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Straighter teeth provide an opportunity to a healthier lifestyle overall. Schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in Ormond Beach today to start your smile journey!
About the Author
Dr. Andrew M. Nawrocki earned his DMD degree from the Florida College of Dentistry. Since then, he’s pursued training and certification from Align Technology, which allows dentists like him to provide clear aligners to fix misalignment, malocclusions and crowding teeth. To learn more about his practice, you can contact him through his website.