Straight Teeth Are Healthier Teeth

Many people work hard and spend large amounts of money to achieve straight, white and perfectly aligned teeth; the “perfect” smile. The truth is that a straight smile’s importance goes far past aesthetics; there are numerous health benefits associated with straight teeth that should serve as a positive incentive for everyone. Continue reading to learn why straight teeth are healthier teeth.

Cleanliness & Hygiene

Crookedness and crowding allows spaces to form in between the teeth that can not be reached to be cleaned. When this occurs, food becomes trapped, plaque builds up, and bacteria is left unattended. This will eventually lead to decay and bad breath. Ensuring that the teeth are aligned and not overcrowded allows all surfaces of each individual tooth to be thoroughly cleaned during brushing and flossing.

Improved Eating Experience

Misaligned and crooked teeth can make the process of chewing and eating difficult and even painful; if there are teeth that are unable to make contact during chewing, extra stress and pressure may be placed upon the teeth that do make contact. Over time, this can wear down the chewing surface of the teeth, cause cracking and fractures, and cause pain or discomfort in the jaw. A straight and uncrowded smile will allow for an even distribution of pressure and contact when chewing, allowing for a more overall improved eating experience.

Improved Speech

The alignment of the teeth has an effect on speech capabilities; crooked or crowded teeth may cause speech impediments, such as a lisp. While patients may experience a lisp while wearing alignment devices such as braces or invisalign, once the teeth have been aligned, the patient will experience a noticeable improvement in speech.

Improved Gum Health

As previously mentioned, crooked or crowded teeth lead to the growth of bacteria in the mouth. When left unattended, the bacteria has the potential to go beneath the gumline and cause periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, can lead to gum and bone degeneration, bad breath, and the loss of teeth. Ensuring that the teeth are aligned and easily cleaned helps prevent against the development of periodontal disease.

Improved Overall Personal Health

Your oral health has a direct effect on the health of the rest of your body; poor dental health and oral disease have been directly linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. Ensuring that the teeth are aligned and are easily cleaned and maintained is also an assurance that the patient’s oral health will not negatively impact their overall health.

While a straight and white smile is undoubtedly beautiful, there is much more to it than meets the eye. As you have discovered with the information you have learned here, an investment in the alignment of your teeth is truly an investment in your overall health. If you have been considering straightening your teeth to achieve a beautiful smile, hopefully you will now consider it to achieve a healthy one, as well. Speak with your trusted dental professional at EZ Dental to discover how you can get started on your journey towards straight and healthy teeth.