
Misaligned teeth are one of the most often seen dental issues and they can occur at any age. Though they may seem like aesthetic problem, they can have a drastic impact on oral health. Learning the consequences of crooked teeth will help you take action accordingly.
There are several reasons that lead to misaligned teeth. One of the primary reasons for that is genetics. Children are more likely to have crooked teeth if their parents do. Other causes include:
Misaligned teeth cause a lot of dental issues. Here are a few of the ways they impact overall dental health:
Crooked teeth form hard-to-reach areas that are tough to brush and floss. This can allow plaque and tartar to build up, which in turn can make decay and gum disease more likely.
Plaque builds up along the gum line when teeth are not regularly cleaned. This can lead to gingivitis, a first stage of gum disease. Untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a more serious gum infection that can cause tooth loss.
Crooked teeth are a cause of bad breath due to poor oral hygiene. Food stuck between misaligned teeth can rot, leaving bacteria that smells foul odor.
Dental dislocation may misalign with the teeth when biting or chewing. This can result in unique stress on individual teeth, causing enamel wear and chipping.
If your teeth aren’t aligned, too much pressure will be put onto the jaw and lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. This can lead to pain, headaches and problems in moving the mouth open and closed.
Severe misalignment is an alteration of speech. It can result in lisping, or a hard time pronouncing certain words.
Crooked teeth have a negative effect on mental health apart from physical problems. People with misaligned teeth may be self-conscious and might try to avoid social interactions. This can result in low self-esteem and anxiety.
Fortunately, crooked teeth can be corrected in several ways:
You cannot control your genetics, but some habits can help keep your teeth from being crooked:
Crooked teeth are a problem beyond cosmetic. They play an important role in oral health impact and overall health as well. Early intervention, appropriate treatment, and good dental care can prevent complications. If you have crooked teeth, see a dentist for the best treatment to improve oral health.
When teeth come in crooked, it is often more difficult to properly brush and floss them, leading to a higher risk of plaque buildup and cavities.
Yes, crooked teeth can contribute to gum inflammation and infections when cleaning is not done correctly.
Misaligned teeth can cause such difficulty, which can affect digestion and overall health.
Yes, crooked teeth can cause more strain on the jaw, resulting in pain, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Misaligned teeth can lead to decreased oral hygiene, because oral hygiene in misaligned teeth is difficult to maintain which can lead to dental illness.