Having crooked or misaligned teeth may seem like a cosmetic issue and it has been linked to low self-esteem but that’s not all. Dental issues are not only financially draining, but they can also negatively affect your physical and emotional health.
Twisted, angled, or overlapped teeth do not seem like a health hazard at first but they can become a problem as you age. To know whether your crooked teeth require treatment or not, visit a Dentist in Lahore and they will be able to guide you better on the course of action you should take for your out-of-shape teeth. Treatment may be as simple as visiting a EZ Smile clear aligners Gold Coast clinic to be fitted with clear aligners. However, if they are not evaluated, they can lead to serious health issues which can be very frustrating and costly in the long run.
Here are 6 secret health hazards which can be caused due to crooked or misaligned teeth:
1. You’re at risk of having a gum disease
Crooked teeth make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene. As it is difficult to clean them completely, tartar and plaque build-up in the teeth are often missed. Due to this, harmful bacteria can multiply and lead to bleeding and inflammation in the gums. Moreover, misaligned teeth can make it more difficult to chew which applies more pressure on the gums leading to irritation in the gums.
2. TMJ Disorder
The Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) are located on the front side of each of your ears and are responsible for the smooth movement of your jaw, making it easier for you to distribute pressure evenly to each bite. Misaligned and crooked teeth can lead to unequal distribution of the force of your bite causing more pressure to a certain area of your jaw, which makes it harder for you to chew. This disorder can also cause neck and ear pain, severe headaches, tinnitus, and back pain. Consult with a Gilbert, Arizona TMJ dentist immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms of this disorder.
3. Frequent Headaches or Migraines
Have you ever experienced headaches when you face dental issues? This is because headaches and toothaches are identified by the same nerve – the trigeminal nerve. These migraines or headaches can be triggered by TMJ disorder or even tooth decay or infection.
4. Psychological effects
It’s no secret that loose, crooked, or misaligned teeth can make anyone super conscious about themselves and are a contributing factor for low self-esteem. Not just that, it can also lead to social isolation or social anxiety as one might feel uncomfortable even smiling in front of others. People who smile less may also feel more stressed and anxious as well.
5. Excessive wear and tear
Crowded or crooked teeth in the lower jaw can create friction between the teeth on the upper and lower jaws. When these teeth rub off against each other, they can cause the protective enamel on your teeth to wear off. This makes the teeth more sensitive and they become more susceptible to cavities. They can also make the teeth more fragile and easily breakable, which is never a good sign.
6. Digestion problems due to chewing
Chewing is the most important function of your teeth and gums. Misaligned teeth often make it harder for people to chew. As a result, the food is not chewed properly before it enters your gastrointestinal tract. The enzymes and fluids in your stomach that help in digestion are not able to function properly leading to digestion problems such as constipation.
Is it time to get your teeth fixed?
Ideally, crooked or misaligned teeth should be fixed at a young age as they get susceptible to more damage as you age. Nonetheless, no matter how old you are, crooked or misaligned teeth can be fixed through dental braces, veneers, retainers, or crowns. Consult a Dentist in Karachi and they will guide you through the different processes and their cost so that you can choose which one is the most effective one for you!