Jaw pain, spots of decay, teeth grinding, and other oral health issues afflict many people. Fortunately, your general dentist is qualified to treat such conditions and prevent them from significantly damaging your overall health and quality of life.
But what if you keep having dental problems despite doing your best to take good care of your smile? Misaligned teeth might be to blame. This blog post examines how such misalignment might be an underlying cause behind various issues and how orthodontic treatment may be able to provide an effective long-term solution.
Cavities
Cavities develop when plaque, an acidic biofilm, forms on the teeth. Excessive sugar consumption is a major contributor to plaque formation. However, dental misalignment can also contribute to the development of decay. Misaligned teeth might impede thorough brushing and flossing, allowing food particles and bacteria to accumulate in areas that are difficult to clean, thereby leading to decay. Braces or other forms of orthodontia can align the teeth, facilitating easier oral hygiene and a lower risk of cavities.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the soft pink tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth. It is associated with halitosis (bad breath), tooth loss, and several systemic health conditions. Similar to cavities, gum disease is caused by plaque and bacteria. Orthodontic treatment may enhance the cleanliness of your gumline and lower your risk of dangerous infections.
Jaw Pain
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which are located in front of your ears, control the movement of your lower jaw. If your teeth and jaws are improperly aligned, your TMJs may experience excessive stress, leading to inflammation and pain in the jaw and facial muscles. This condition, known as TMJ disorder, can often be mitigated or prevented through orthodontic treatment.
Bruxism
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, may occur while you are asleep. Over time, bruxism can cause significant wear to tooth enamel and may contribute to jaw pain. In certain cases, a misaligned bite is a substantial factor in bruxism. Orthodontic intervention can alleviate this issue and help to keep your smile healthy.
Chipped and Broken Teeth
Misaligned and crooked teeth may contact each other at improper angles, increasing the risk of breakage. Orthodontic treatment can reduce the likelihood of damage by ensuring that all your teeth function harmoniously together.
Orthodontic treatment may do more than give you a straighter smile! It could also have major long-term oral health benefits.
Meet the Practice
At Torrington Dental Care, our skilled team is pleased to offer both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. If you are concerned about how crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw may be affecting your oral health, we are ready to consult with you about your treatment options. To request an appointment or learn more about our services, call our office at 860-259-4073.