Most of us tend to think of our teeth as permanent, and this is exactly the term used when you go from your primary, or baby teeth, to your permanent, or adult teeth. Sometimes, the bite or the alignment of the teeth is not correct. A “bad bite,” or crowded or crooked teeth, is called malocclusion and may be inherited, the result of injury, due to thumb sucking or because of tooth loss. Problems can arise over time when the upper and lower jaws are prevented from properly meeting. The following are five health benefits of maintaining straight teeth:
Healthy Gums
Properly spaced teeth that are not crowded help prevent the gums from becoming red and inflamed. This is both a bad look and a clear indication of the active infectious periodontal disease. Straightening the teeth to eliminate spaces between or crowding of the teeth is a strong defense against periodontal disease.
Straight Teeth Are Easier to Keep Clean
A crowded mouth makes it harder to floss, the practice most useful in removing the bits of food that tend to get stuck between the teeth. Dental plaque is a biofilm that grows eventually forming a tartar film on the surfaces of the teeth when they are not kept clean and free of decaying food particles. This bacterial plaque is a major cause of gum disease and tooth decay. Straight teeth are easier to clean and keep free of food debris.
Decreases the Risk of Abnormal Tooth Wear or Injury
Protruding teeth or those that jut out tend to rub against other teeth. Not only will this lead to poor chewing function, but it can cause abnormal tooth wear eventually ruining the enamel. This makes teeth vulnerable to breaking particularly in the event of an accident that results in physical injury. Straight teeth that meet properly are far less likely to break should the jaw sustain a jolt or impact. It is more common for misaligned teeth to break under such circumstances.
Decrease Neck or Headache Pain
Misaligned teeth place undue stress on the gums and supportive bone structure. Headache pain or migraines, face and neck pain are commonly associated with jaw misalignment. An orthodontist like Donald E. Snyder Orthodontics can help you understand what treatment can be pursued to correct these problems.
Improve Self-Esteem and Overall Health for a Happier Life
Crooked teeth are often associated with poor oral hygiene. It may be the desire to avoid facing what seems like it is an impossible condition. However, when the teeth are ignored, they decay. Left untreated, active infectious periodontal disease can produce bleeding gums, mouth sores and the possibility of tooth loss.
Having straight teeth flips the script and becomes a crucial component of your overall good health. When people are unafraid to smile broadly, they encourage a positive social profile, which reduces stress and further encourages a proper oral hygiene routine to keep the smile clean and bright. This is as useful for good mental health as it is for good overall health.
Teeth straightening is accomplished in different ways. Orthodontists treat patients based upon their preference and the options available. Without corrective treatment for an abnormal bite, the resulting oral health problems include the following:
- tooth decay
- gum disease
- tooth loss
- affected speech
- poor chewing
- jaw problems
Abnormal Erosion of Tooth Enamel
Your bite represents a complex system of the teeth, gums, facial muscles and the jaws all working in concert to allow you to smile, speak and effectively chew food for proper digestion. It is through proper care of your teeth and regular checkups that you can keep your permanent teeth permanent.
Having straight teeth helps prevent dental complications. Further, scientist have proven that active infectious periodontal disease is directly related to the kind of inflammation that can lead to heart disease. Discuss the different steps you can take with your dentist or orthodontist to learn more about the type of treatment that may be best for you to obtain straight teeth.