Does your smile make you feel insecure?
If you have crooked teeth, you’re not alone. It’s rare to have straight teeth from birth, and over 9 in 10 people have misaligned or crowded teeth. Many people are insecure about their crooked teeth and often hide or suppress their smiles.
However, it’s also more than an aesthetic flaw. Crooked teeth can cause a number of health problems, including gum disease and chronic headaches. If you have crooked teeth, this is your sign to see an orthodontist.
Here are five reasons why you don’t want crooked teeth. Read on to find out more.
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1. Prone to Gum Disease
Crooked teeth can make it difficult to clean your teeth efficiently. Your toothbrush and floss may not be able to get into tight spaces caused by misalignment or crowded teeth. This creates more hiding spaces for bacteria and plaque to grow.
Because of this, patients can become more prone to developing oral health problems. This includes gum disease, tooth decay, and gingivitis. Patients may also develop bad breath because it’s difficult to keep up with oral hygiene.
2. Chips and Wears Down Teeth
Left alone, crooked teeth can lead to permanent damage to the teeth. Misalignment puts your teeth at a higher risk of chipping, breaking, and cracking. Misaligned teeth can also give you a crooked bite.
This puts excess pressure on teeth. Over time, it will wear away the enamel protecting your teeth and soon lead to permanent damage. It can also lead to cavities and other periodontal diseases.
3. Obstructs Breathing
An improper bite can directly impact your ability to breathe. When the jaw is out of alignment, it can minimize your airway and cause breathing problems. In some cases, it can result in obstructive sleep apnea.
OSA means that your body’s airway is partially blocked when asleep. If left untreated, it can result in more severe health problems. Because your body experiences frequent drops in oxygen supply, your heart works harder to give the body what it needs.
This can damage the blood vessels and result in high blood pressure.
4. Causes Headaches and Speech Impediments
Crooked teeth can prevent your tongue from resting comfortably in your mouth. This can sometimes result in lisps and make it difficult to pronounce certain letters or words.
Malocclusion can also contribute to chronic headaches. This happens due to the constant pressure on your teeth and jaw muscles.
5. Risk of Developing TMJ
A misaligned smile can lead to TMJ or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. TMJ is a painful jaw disorder that causes your jaw to lock. Sometimes, TMJ can result in face, shoulder, and neck pain.
TMJ can make it difficult to perform simple activities like talking or eating. If you’re experiencing any of these, getting braces can help. Click here to get a consultation for braces.
How Crooked Teeth Affects Your Health
Crooked teeth are harmful not only to your self-esteem but also to your overall health. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent tooth damage and severe health issues.
Are you looking for more tips on improving your oral health? We got you covered. Check out our other blog posts for more guides.