Having straight teeth is more than just a cosmetic benefit. There are a variety of harmful issues that crooked teeth can cause. The good news is that crooked teeth can be treated fairly easily. There are a number of treatment options that can address crooked teeth, but braces are the most common and effective way to straighten your smile. Below are some of the dangers of crooked teeth and why you should consider braces to get your smile aligned.

Most Common Dangers of Crooked Teeth

Straight teeth are not only a benefit in terms of beauty standards, but they are also safer when it comes to your oral health.

Hygiene Issues:

Even straight teeth can be difficult to clean as there is a variety of hard-to-reach places. However, crooked teeth pose even more problems. Teeth that are crooked and close together are often hard to floss and brush. It can be difficult to reach all of the nooks and crannies that harbor harmful bacteria. This can lead to tooth decay, cavities, or worse if the issues are not addressed.

Increased Risk of Disease:

Because of the difficulties that crooked teeth pose in terms of cleaning, there is also an increased risk of gum disease. If you cannot get to the hard-to-reach places between your teeth, bacteria can multiply. This can lead to issues such as gum disease and even an infection if not taken care of.

Bad Breath:

Nobody wants to be known as the person who has bad breath. This can be embarrassing and impact your self-esteem. Not only does bad breath smell bad, but it can also leave you with a funny taste in your mouth. Since crooked teeth often harbor more bacteria, it can cause stinky breath. While there are a variety of products that can help, such as mouthwash or gum, addressing the root cause of the issue is the best option in the long run.

Increased Wear and Tear:

Because straight teeth are aligned well, they can often last a long time without major issues. However, crooked teeth wear out faster due to the ways they rub against one another. When crooked teeth continuously rub against one another they can wear down much faster than straight teeth. When the outer layer of your teeth (the enamel) is worn down it can expose the next layer of your teeth (the dentin). This can place your teeth at a much higher risk for decay and cavities.

Possible Digestion Issues:

People with crooked teeth may find it difficult to adequately chew all of their food. They may have to adjust their jaw to be able to chew food well. Chewing is a major part of proper digestion as unprocessed foods can often cause your stomach to have to work harder to break down the food. This can cause digestion issues that can negatively impact your daily life.

Heart Health Risks:

It has been well-documented that your dental health is related to your overall health, especially your cardiovascular health. Crooked teeth are often associated with an excess amount of harmful bacteria. The harmful bacteria can get into your bloodstream and cause issues with your heart valves. While harmful bacteria can be found in everyone’s mouth, the amount is much higher among those with crooked teeth.

Dentist in Yucaipa

If you have crooked teeth and are considering treatment options, contact the dentists at Shodhan Dentistry of Yucaipa. They offer a variety of treatment options, including braces in Yucaipa. Contact the best dentist in Yucaipa today for an appointment!