A picture-perfect grin defines a striking face. Something about a smile perks up your entire countenance and gives you an instant glow. But while your dentition says nothing about the sincerity of your gesture, one could argue that crooked teeth can be distracting – not for “aesthetic” purposes but because they could lead to deeper issues.
Nope, crooked teeth are hardly superficial matter. Here are nine concerns you should be wary of if you have uneven dentition.
1. Gum Disease
Crooked teeth are harder to brush, let alone floss, given that the spaces between are tighter and some surfaces may overlap. If you’re not thorough with your dental game, you might experience problems, such as cavities and plaque buildup, which are bad news for your teeth and gums.
2. Difficulty Chewing
Crowded teeth, which could also lead to crookedness, are the primary culprits behind malocclusion, which is the misalignment of your teeth. When either your upper or lower jaw protrudes, you have a harder time chewing and swallowing. It can also increase the possibility of choking.
3. Bad Breath
Because crooked teeth give bacteria more places to hide and develop, it also makes you more prone to bad breath. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly to ensure every nook and cranny in your mouth is clean. Also, be more diligent with oral care practices, such as brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash.
4. Heart Problems
Do crooked teeth cause health problems? Yes, they could lead to conditions beyond the usual oral concerns. Bacteria from plaque buildup could get into your bloodstream and cause problems with your heart valves. Plaque and tartar also make you more prone to gum disease. While further study is needed, the American Dental Association confirms a link between gum disease and heart problems, along with other ailments like stroke, diabetes, and pneumonia.
5. Headaches
Stress, peckishness, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes might be some possible reasons behind your frequent headaches. However, another cause could be the pressure on your jaw muscles from overcrowded teeth constantly rubbing together. Any added strain on your face, neck, or temples can cause your head to hurt. Instead of grabbing some painkillers, reach for the mobile and set an appointment with an orthodontist.
6. TMD
What happens if crooked teeth are left untreated? When you have misaligned teeth, the force you exert when biting or chewing becomes uneven, too. One side might be receiving more pressure that can cause your jaw and related muscles to ache. This leads to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and that pain can extend to your face, neck, and shoulders. You might even experience frequent jaw locking and popping.
7. Risk of Tooth Injuries
Protruding crooked front teeth are more likely to chip or crack in the eventuality of an accident. In addition, strained jaw muscles put excess pressure on your teeth, increasing the risk of tooth breakage.
8. Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is more common in people with crooked teeth or malocclusion. This condition can wear down the enamel of your teeth, cause tooth loss, disrupt sleep, and lead to TMD.
9. Confidence Woes
The 2021 paper Psychological and Social Effects of Oral Health and Dental Aesthetic in Adolescence and Early Adulthood confirms what you might have already suspected. Crooked teeth, bad breath, and other oral problems affect self-perception, self-esteem, and quality of life, especially in younger females.
Moreover, more research shows a correlation between how confident you are with your attractiveness and the broadness of your smile. Are crooked teeth the reason you’re the lone unsmiling person in the photo? Smiling lowers stress and anxiety levels. Don’t get yourself into a cycle of low self-esteem and unhappiness.
These problems aren’t worth the trouble, especially when you know there’s a simple solution to crooked teeth. Depending on the severity of your condition, lifestyle, and budget, you can opt for braces or even invisible aligners. ClearCorrect aligners have been proven to be more stain-resistant than other brands, thanks to its proprietary ClearQuartz tri-layer material. It delivers greater control and consistent force application to achieve complex movements more predictably. It also has a high trimline that makes it look natural – no awkward puberty flashbacks here.
Just like that, your crooked teeth will soon be a memory. Visit your orthodontist soon to find the most suitable solution to give you a more confident smile and save you from these other health concerns.
References:
Cocca, S., Viviano, M., Loglisci, M., Parrini, S., Monciatti, G., Paganelli, I. I., Livi, W., & Mezzedimi, C. (2019). Correlation Between Dysphagia and Malocclusion in Rett Syndrome: A preliminary study. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 18(4), 489.
American Dental Association. (n.d.). Heart Disease and Oral Health. Mouth Healthy.
Militi, A., Sicari, F., Portelli, M., Merlo, E. M., Terranova, A., Frisone, F., Nucera, R., Alibrandi, A., & Settineri, S. (2021). Psychological and Social Effects of Oral Health and Dental Aesthetic in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: An Observational Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17), 9022.
Horn, S., Matuszewska, N., Gkantidis, N., Verna, C., & Kanavakis, G. (2021b). Smile dimensions affect self-perceived smile attractiveness. Scientific Reports, 11(1).
