When we think about crooked teeth, we may only think of aesthetic issues that someone may have. Many people are self-conscious about the way their teeth look. This can lead them to seek cosmetic treatment to straighten their teeth. However, there are other reasons to seek dental treatment for crooked teeth.
Crooked teeth can have a number of negative effects on your oral health. If your toothbrush can reach every area in your mouth, you can develop several issues. In addition, crooked teeth can lead to problems with bite alignment, tooth decay, and gum disease. Crooked teeth are much more complicated than what your eye can see.
Alignment Issues
When your teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause problems with your bite. This means that your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together as they should when you bite down. When this happens, it can put excess pressure on certain teeth, causing them to wear down more quickly than others. Over time, this can lead to uneven wear patterns. You even have a higher risk of tooth fractures or chips.
In addition, bite problems can also cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Your jaw can overcompensate for crooked teeth, creating unevenness to your jaw. Over time, you can develop a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
Tooth Decay
Crooked teeth can also make it harder to clean your teeth properly, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay. When your teeth are not aligned, there are more places for bacteria to hide and grow. This can lead to the formation of plaque and tartar. Unfortunately, this can erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. In addition, crooked teeth can make flossing difficult, increasing your risk of gum disease.
Gum Disease
When your teeth are crooked, it can be difficult to brush and floss effectively. This can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup around your gum line. When plaque builds under your gum line, it can cause inflammation and infection. Over time, this can lead to gum disease, which is a serious condition that can cause tooth loss if left untreated. Symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums.
Speech Problems
Crooked teeth can also affect your ability to speak properly. This is because your teeth play an important role in forming certain sounds and pronouncing certain words. With crooked teeth, it can make it difficult to form certain sounds.
Self-Esteem Issues
Finally, crooked teeth can also have a negative impact on your self-esteem. When your teeth are not aligned properly, it can make you feel self-conscious and less confident. This can affect your social life, relationships, and career. While some people love the uniqueness of their crooked smile, other people would love to have straighter teeth.
There is nothing wrong with either preference. However, those with crooked teeth must work harder to keep them clean and prevent dental issues.