It is easy to see why many people believe that crooked teeth are simply a
cosmetic dental problem. In actuality, crooked teeth might be affecting your
health more than you imagine.
Orthodontic treatment can help you achieve a desirable smile, while also
helping you maintain your dental health and preserve your natural teeth for as
long as possible.

Why do teeth become crooked?

There are many schools of thought as to why adult teeth either erupt or become
crooked. Genetics are the main influence on the alignment of your teeth, but
other factors can also effect whether or not your adult teeth will be straight.

- Habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use can cause the teeth to
crowd or to shift position.
- Cavities in baby teeth can lead to loss of space in the dental arch,
enabling crowding.
- Injury to the jaw bone can affect the alignment of teeth.

However, shifting of teeth is a natural process. If a gap opens up in your dental
arch - for example, if you lose a tooth - then you may find that your other teeth
will move to take advantage of the additional space, unless it is quickly filled.

Why are crooked teeth bad for your dental health?

It surprises many people to know that their crooked teeth could actually be the
cause of many of their dental problems.

Research by the American Dental Association (ADA) has found that crooked
teeth can damage your dental and overall health in as many as eight different
ways.

Crooked teeth make cleaning your teeth much more difficult

When teeth are crooked, they do not sit perfectly flush against one another. This
causes small gaps to open up between them, in which tiny particles of food and
bacteria can become trapped.

Brushing, even with a small, round-headed toothbrush, may still not reach far
enough into the gaps to perform a truly thorough clean. This can allow bacteria
to multiply and cause tooth decay.

Crooked teeth make gum disease more likely

When your teeth are crooked, your gums don’t fit as securely around them. This
can cause small pockets between your teeth and gums, where bacteria can grow.
This can turn into plaque, a predominant cause of gum disease. When left
untreated, periodontal disease can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.

Crooked teeth causes bad breath

The gaps between your teeth can be a haven for bacteria, which tends to get
smelly when it collects in your mouth. Persistent bad breath is most commonly
caused by lingering bacteria.

Crooked teeth can cause abnormal tooth wear

When your bottom teeth are overcrowded, it is common for one or more to
protrude from the line. When this happens, the protruding teeth can rub against
other teeth in the upper jaw, causing the enamel on them to wear much more
quickly.

Crooked teeth can increase your risk of tooth-related injury

Protruding teeth are much more likely to be damaged as a result of an injury.
Chips and cracks in your teeth can cause decay to set in, and the affected teeth
could even fracture entirely, meaning that a crown or even a fully prosthetic
replacement tooth may be required.

Crooked teeth can make it more difficult to eat and speak normally

Perfectly aligned teeth come together to make biting, chewing, and speaking
simple.
However, when your teeth do not meet exactly as they should, you may find it much more difficult to use your mouth efficiently. Some patients even find that they experience regular jaw pain, earache, and headaches, as a result of having
crooked and misaligned teeth.

Crooked teeth can affect your self-esteem and stress levels

Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. People
who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile may find that they become
self-conscious.

Many people who are self-conscious of their smiles lose confidence and self-
esteem. However, being happy with your smile can mean that you smile more,
which naturally reduces your stress levels.

Crooked teeth can impact your overall health

Dental health has been shown to be intrinsically linked to our overall health and
well-being. Studies by the ADA have proven that oral infections caused by an
accumulation of bacteria in the mouth can lead to more serious medical
problems including diabetes, heart disease, and even oral cancers.

If you have crooked teeth, and you’re concerned about the effect that they are
having on your dental and general health, our dentist will be happy to help you.
Contact us and make an appointment today to discuss your personal concerns, and we will be
able to make recommendations about which orthodontic treatments may be able
to straighten your teeth, and help you enjoy better oral and overall health.