What problems do crooked teeth cause?
Crooked teeth are often as healthy as straight ones, but the problems lie between the teeth. When the teeth are straight or when the teeth are straightened, they are usually evenly spaced. There is then enough space in the interdental space to effectively clean teeth with interdental floss or brush. But when the teeth are crooked, some of them can be very close to others, making it difficult to brush or floss. This creates an environment where bacteria thrive.
While straightening is often chosen by those who want to be self-confident and happy with their appearance, crooked teeth can affect more than just self-esteem. This condition is also the cause of serious health problems. If careful and diligent straightening of teeth is not performed in time, crooked teeth can cause:
- Tooth decay. Straight teeth are often easier to clean than crooked ones, as the latter make it harder to reach the interdental and other deeper areas with a brush and floss. Accumulated plaque can cause tooth decay and even more trouble.
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Gingivitis develops when excess bacteria accumulate between the teeth and near the gums, turning into harmful plaque. Gingivitis can be painful and lead to more serious health problems.
- Difficulty chewing. If the teeth are extremely crooked, they can alter the characteristics of chewing and jaw movement. Unnatural jaw movement can cause stress in the joints associated with opening and closing the mouth. These disorders cause jaw joint and muscle pain and can be difficult and expensive to treat. Thus, the earlier teeth are straightened, the greater the chances of avoiding negative changes and pain.
- Enamel damage. When teeth are crowded next to each other or protruding, they can wear out where straight teeth do not usually wear out. This can damage and even destroy the enamel. When the enamel is gone, the teeth start to decay quickly and often.
- Bad breath. As mentioned above, crooked teeth facilitate the accumulation of bacteria and plaque, making it more difficult to properly clean every oral cavity. When these bacteria remain in the mouth, they can cause bad breath, no matter how often you brush your teeth.
- Lack of self-esteem. A beautiful, healthy smile naturally makes people more confident in their appearance. If a person is ashamed or lacks self-esteem because of crooked teeth, they may feel uncomfortable in social situations and avoid other people.
- General health threat. Teeth straightening is not only necessary to ensure aesthetics or a pleasant breath. Problems caused by plaque buildup can lead to harmful oral infections that lead to serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and pneumonia.
