Have you noticed your teeth shifting? Maybe it’s been gradual, and you figure there’s nothing to worry about. But even seemingly small misalignments can affect your overall health.
When the gums don’t fit around the teeth as snuggly as they should, pockets can form and fill with bacteria. This scenario is a recipe for periodontal disease, which leads to cavities and the loss of teeth. Not only that, inflammation of your gums affects your overall health, making you more prone to other diseases as well—such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s.
When teeth turn and shift, they are harder to keep clean. You may notice it’s harder to floss between certain teeth, which contributes to plaque buildup. Not only that, staining may occur because of their positioning.
The extra bacteria lingering in the hard to reach spots of your crooked teeth causes bad breath. You may not even realize that your breath is bad, or if you do, you may assume it’s from something you ate. But it’s time to see an orthodontist if you’ve been brushing and flossing and still struggle with this embarrassing, chronic problem.
With crowding comes unnecessary wear on the enamel of your teeth, causing them to thin and prematurely age. The surfaces may become uneven too, affecting your bite.
Teeth that protrude are at greater risk of injury. Even if you don’t play sports, just tripping or slipping on the ice while walking can cause an injury. That’s because crooked teeth are weaker due to their positioning and also the fact that the enamel may have thinned.
Make your health a priority this year. Call King Orthodontists to schedule a free consultation and to learn about all of the many options available today, including the clear and removable Invisalign approach. We will evaluate your teeth and make recommendations. It’s never too late to straighten your teeth.
