SANTA CRUZ, SCOTTS VALLEY CA
Many people, whether young or old, suffer from crooked teeth. Every year, orthodontists install braces on millions of patients to straighten crooked teeth and address bites that might cause ongoing problems. Having teeth that aren’t properly aligned may have serious, long-term effects on your health, and it’s important to address this issue as soon as possible to avoid any more complications. So, our Scotts Valley dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry share on the blog today how your misaligned teeth could be blamed for your jaw pain and what you can do to restore a pain-free life.
Gum Tissue Erosion
Your gums help protect your tooth structures below the gum line and prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream. Considering that over half of all American adults suffer from gum disease, however, it’s crucial to take every measure feasible to maintain healthy gum tissue and prevent tooth loss. Poor gum health might be caused by teeth that are not properly aligned. Our Los Gatos family dentists explain that crooked teeth might increase the likelihood of developing gum disease, which can lead to gum recession. Also, bite misalignment causes stress on the gums and jaw bone, which may result in irritation and recession if the biting force is not distributed equally over all teeth.
Difficulty Chewing Food
When teeth aren’t properly aligned, it might be difficult to chew. Crooked teeth may not be as effective as straight teeth in breaking down food before it enters the stomach because of the unequal bite pressure. As a result, you may experience discomfort from bloating, gas, and cramps and even be at risk for developing stomach ulcers. So, until you can correct your smile, chew slower and more deliberately to help with digestive issues.
Cleaning Challenges
According to Harvard, “Crowded or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean, making tooth decay and gum disease more likely.” Brushing and flossing might seem like an uphill battle when teeth overlap or are jammed together. Therefore, our family dentists in Santa Cruz recommend maintaining regular dental checkups if you have crooked teeth since this can help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, both of which may harm your oral health and appearance.
Headaches
Teeth may be responsible for people’s chronic headaches and migraines. When your teeth aren’t aligned correctly, the jaw may attempt to make up for it by shifting position, putting strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Earaches, recurrent ear infections, headaches, and persistent jaw or face discomfort are some of the symptoms that might be caused by TMJ dysfunction. Furthermore, TMJ has been connected to upper back and neck discomfort. If you get headaches but haven’t had your jaw looked at as the possible cause, think about scheduling an appointment with our experts today.
Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity might be brought on by crooked teeth that have worn down over time or gum recession. When dental enamel wears away, the softer dentin layer underneath might become visible, which is sensitive. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the dentin layer is breached because it allows hot or cold temperatures to reach the sensitive pulp in the center of the tooth. In some cases, minor repairs are necessary to protect the tooth’s pulp. On the other hand, the most severe cases may require root canal therapy and a dental crown to restore bite functionality.
Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California
It may be more difficult than you think to detect crooked teeth. Even with perfectly aligned teeth, a person may still experience malocclusion or a misaligned bite. If you suspect that your teeth may be misaligned and contributing to your oral health issues, you must visit our Scotts Valley dental office for a checkup and examination so that we can determine the best treatment that protects your oral and overall health. So, call Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry at (831) 438-4411 or contact us online to request an appointment.
