Cavities, jaw pain, teeth grinding, and other oral health issues are very common. Fortunately, your general dentist is often equipped to address such conditions and prevent them from having a great impact on your health and quality of life. But what if, despite your efforts to care for your smile, oral health problems continue to recur? You might have a form of dental misalignment. This blog post explores how misalignment may be the underlying cause behind a range of issues and how orthodontic treatment can help.
Cavities
Cavities form when plaque, an acidic biofilm, forms on the teeth. Overconsumption of sugar is a major contributor to plaque formation. However, dental misalignment can also be part of the path that leads to cavities. If your teeth are not well-aligned, you might not be able to thoroughly brush and floss them. As a result, food particles and bacteria could hide in difficult-to-clean areas, leading to decay. Braces can shift the teeth so they are straight and easy to keep clean and healthy.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the pink tissue that surrounds the base of teeth. It is associated with bad breath, tooth loss, and several systemic health conditions. Just like cavities, it is caused by plaque and bacteria. Getting braces or another form of orthodontia may make it easier to keep your gumline clean, which can lower your risk of gum infections.
Jaw Pain
The joints in front of your ears, known as the TMJs, control the movement of your lower jaw. If your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, your TMJs may have to endure a lot of stress. They may become inflamed and start to cause pain in your jaw and throughout your face. This issue, known as TMJ disorder, can often be reversed or prevented by aligning the bite and teeth with orthodontic treatment.
Bruxism
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, often occurs at night. Over time, it can cause severe wear and tear to your tooth enamel. It may also contribute to jaw pain. In some cases, a misaligned bite is a big contributing factor to bruxism. Orthodontia may relieve this issue and save your smile!
Chipped and Broken Teeth
If your teeth are not well aligned, they may contact each other at odd angles, which puts them at a heightened risk of breakage. You can reduce your risk of damage by getting orthodontic treatment that will help all of your teeth to work harmoniously together.
Orthodontia can do more than straighten your smile! It could also reduce your risk of numerous oral health conditions.
Meet the Practice
Willow Bend Orthodontics is home to three talented orthodontists: Drs. Tamara Jones, Megan Hanson, and Stephanie Amerson. They work together to provide a broad range of services for children and adults, including braces, clear aligners, and more. If you would like to find out how orthodontic care may be able to support your oral and overall health, contact our Plano office at 972-732-1400.