Can Crooked Teeth Affect Your Health?
Can Crooked Teeth Affect Your Health?
We all want beautifully straight teeth that make us feel good about our smiles. However, it turns out that crooked teeth can do more than hurt your confidence. Dental malocclusion and misalignments increase the risk of certain issues that can negatively affect your health. Here are some challenges you may face with crooked teeth and tips to keep your smile healthy and strong.
1. It is More Difficult to Keep Crooked Teeth Clean.
When teeth are crowded or not aligned, there are more hard-to-reach areas where bacteria can hide. Your toothbrush will not be able to effectively clean tight crevices or overlapping teeth the same way as straight teeth. As bacteria continue to grow, you may develop harmful plaque buildup that eats away at your tooth enamel, eventually causing tooth decay and cavities.
If you have crooked teeth, it is crucial to floss at least once a day to remove leftover food particles and bacteria that can damage your teeth. Your dentist may also recommend helpful tools, such as a WaterPik, to keep your teeth clean between appointments.
2. You May Develop Gum Disease.
When crooked teeth cause heavy plaque buildup, it can also be detrimental for your gum health. A recent study confirmed the connection between misaligned teeth and periodontal disease, which causes inflammation, sensitivity, and a receding gum line.
As gum disease progresses, symptoms become more severe, including:
● Bone infections
● Bleeding gums
● Pain when biting or chewing
● Loose teeth
● Possible tooth loss
3. You are More Likely to Have Bad Breath.
Crowded teeth can easily trap food that is difficult to remove with just regular brushing. If this lingering food sits in the nooks and crannies of your teeth long enough, bacteria will start to grow and emit a foul odor.
Halitosis, or bad breath, is an embarrassing condition that can affect the way you interact with others. In particular, adolescents and young adults may experience self-esteem issues, irritability, and trouble maintaining friendships when they suffer from chronic bad breath.
Seeking orthodontic treatment will correct dental misalignments and help prevent bad breath and other issues caused by crooked teeth. Talk to your dentist about Invisalign services or braces to get your oral health on track.
4. You May Experience Jaw Issues.
Teeth that do not line up the right way can put substantial strain on your jaw as you struggle to chew food. With repeated tension and force on your jaw, you may even develop painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Affecting the jaw’s ball-and-socket joint, TMJ disorders may cause:
● Clicking or popping jaw
● Stiff or locked jaw
● Radiating pain in the jaw, face, or neck
● Dislocated jaw
● Grating or sandy sound in the jaw joint
Orthodontics can treat common bite issues, including overbites, underbites, or crossbites, that often lead to jaw problems.
5. You May Have a Higher Risk of Heart Disease.
Something many people do not realize is that your oral health has a direct connection to your cardiovascular health. Because crooked teeth often trap bacteria that cause gum disease, it can be more difficult to keep your mouth healthy, increasing the risk of heart disease. In fact, people with gum disease are two to three times more at risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
The bacteria that causes gum disease can travel through the blood to other parts of the body, which potentially triggers inflammation. When the heart and cardiovascular system become inflamed, you are more susceptible to dangerous heart conditions.
Several studies have shown that periodontitis is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular issues, including:
● Hypertension
● Hyperlipidemia
● Coronary artery disease
● Diabetes mellitus
● Atrial fibrillation
6. Your Social Life Could Suffer.
If you do not feel good about your smile because of crooked teeth, it can have a major impact on your social life. An observational study found that aesthetic concerns about oral health can affect your self-perception, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
In extreme cases, this embarrassment could keep you from interacting with colleagues, meeting new people, or venturing out of your comfort zone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that loneliness and social isolation is linked to several health issues, including:
● Depression and anxiety
● Type 2 diabetes
● Heart disease
● Addiction
● Dementia
● Self-harming tendencies
Fortunately, there are cosmetic dental treatments that can correct imperfections and help you feel more confident when socializing. For example, stunning porcelain veneers can instantly cover up misalignments to create a more uniform and radiant smile.
7. Crooked Teeth Are More Likely to Chip or Break.
Dental misalignments may cause some teeth to protrude forward, leaving them vulnerable to injury in an accident. Crooked teeth also make it difficult to wear protective mouthguards properly when playing sports. Without essential gear, contact sports can pose a major risk to your oral health. Common dental injuries include:
● Chipped or cracked tooth
● Broken or fractured tooth
● Loose tooth
● Knocked out tooth
8. Dental Misalignments Can Potentially Affect Digestion.
Chewing is the first step in the digestive process. Serious dental misalignments can make it difficult to bite and chew your food thoroughly, which can lead to digestive problems. When food is not fully broken down from chewing, the body may not absorb as many nutrients or have to work harder to pull the nutrition from the food. This can cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating, heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Professional Dental Treatments for Crooked Teeth
If crooked teeth are keeping you from living the healthy, confident life you want, Dr. Tati and our team at Las Vegas Aesthetic Dentistry are ready to help. Our boutique practice offers cosmetic and restorative dentistry services, including top-notch Invisalign services, to give you the beautiful smile you deserve. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation today!