Are Straight Teeth Healthier Teeth?
It is common knowledge that regularly scheduled check-up exams and cleanings with a dentist are important to maintaining proper oral health.
While regular brushing will remove plaque and potentially harmful bacteria from the teeth and surrounding gums, a dental hygienist can remove the tartar, also known as calculus from the teeth and underneath the gum line that an individual is unable to remove.
However, did you know that having crooked teeth can actually increase your risk of gingivitis (this is characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums) and periodontal disease (also known as gum recession and bone loss)? Overcrowded teeth are difficult to clean and floss which may lead to an increased buildup of plaque and tartar that harbors harmful bacteria.
Teeth that are not aligned properly are referred to as a malocclusion.
Some malocclusions involve the teeth fitting together traumatically which can lead to wear or chipping of the teeth at the edges and even at the gum line (this is known as abfraction).
Over time this chipping of the teeth can lead to exposure of dentin which is under the enamel layer of the teeth.
This dentin exposure will not only create sensitivity but will also make the tooth more susceptible to decay.
Traumatic occlusion can also lead to unwanted spaces developing between the teeth.
These spaces will lead to food impaction and may also cause sore and tender gums.
If this food is not removed carefully and completely after every meal, over time tooth decay will develop.
Many people may try to address wear or developing spaces with dental restorations such as veneers or crowns.
However, without addressing the underlying problem, symptoms may return and restorations may fail.
So what is the solution?: Seeing your dentist every 6 months or so may only be part of the solution.
It is important to discuss with your dentist whether or not he/she feels you may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
An orthodontist may use braces, Invisalign®, a retainer/appliance, or a combination to correct your malocclusion eliminating any trauma and making it much easier to maintain proper oral hygiene.
You may find that not only will you have an easier time brushing and flossing, you will also have less plaque/tartar accumulation in between cleanings.
This will dramatically reduce your risk of gingivitis or periodontal disease and dental decay putting you on the road to a life-long beautiful and healthy smile.
Breyn P.
Schuster DDS, MSD
While regular brushing will remove plaque and potentially harmful bacteria from the teeth and surrounding gums, a dental hygienist can remove the tartar, also known as calculus from the teeth and underneath the gum line that an individual is unable to remove.
However, did you know that having crooked teeth can actually increase your risk of gingivitis (this is characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums) and periodontal disease (also known as gum recession and bone loss)? Overcrowded teeth are difficult to clean and floss which may lead to an increased buildup of plaque and tartar that harbors harmful bacteria.
Teeth that are not aligned properly are referred to as a malocclusion.
Some malocclusions involve the teeth fitting together traumatically which can lead to wear or chipping of the teeth at the edges and even at the gum line (this is known as abfraction).
Over time this chipping of the teeth can lead to exposure of dentin which is under the enamel layer of the teeth.
This dentin exposure will not only create sensitivity but will also make the tooth more susceptible to decay.
Traumatic occlusion can also lead to unwanted spaces developing between the teeth.
These spaces will lead to food impaction and may also cause sore and tender gums.
If this food is not removed carefully and completely after every meal, over time tooth decay will develop.
Many people may try to address wear or developing spaces with dental restorations such as veneers or crowns.
However, without addressing the underlying problem, symptoms may return and restorations may fail.
So what is the solution?: Seeing your dentist every 6 months or so may only be part of the solution.
It is important to discuss with your dentist whether or not he/she feels you may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
An orthodontist may use braces, Invisalign®, a retainer/appliance, or a combination to correct your malocclusion eliminating any trauma and making it much easier to maintain proper oral hygiene.
You may find that not only will you have an easier time brushing and flossing, you will also have less plaque/tartar accumulation in between cleanings.
This will dramatically reduce your risk of gingivitis or periodontal disease and dental decay putting you on the road to a life-long beautiful and healthy smile.
Breyn P.
Schuster DDS, MSD
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