Oral Consequences Of Overlapping Teeth
by Harold Coleman
Dental crowding can cause overlapping teeth. Crowding may be the result of not replacing missing teeth with dental implants, causing them to shift out of place, or the misalignment of your upper and lower jaw. They can also be caused by dental restorations that do not fit properly, congenital deformities such as cleft lip and palate, and genetics. If you have overlapping teeth, see a local dentist who can recommend a treatment plan to enhance your oral health. Here are some oral consequences of overlapping teeth that you should know about.
Heightened Risk For Periodontal Disease
When your teeth overlap, brushing and flossing may be ineffective at removing plaque from all the surfaces of your teeth. Over time, the plaque will harden into tartar and trigger an inflammatory response or an infection. This can lead to early gum disease, and, if not treated by your dentist, may progress to periodontal disease.
Not only can periodontal disease cause swollen, painful, and bleeding gums, but it can also result in loose teeth, bone destruction of the bones that support the teeth, and eventually, tooth loss. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis for professional teeth cleanings can help prevent periodontal disease, however, in addition to good oral care, your dentist may recommend a consultation with an orthodontist to determine if you are a candidate for braces to reposition your overlapping teeth.
Problems With Chewing, Speaking, And Teeth Grinding
Misaligned or overlapping teeth can lead to chewing and speaking problems. This not only raises your risk of choking as a result of potentially swallowing large pieces of food but can also lead to self-esteem problems when your pattern of speech is affected. Overlapping teeth can also cause tooth grinding, also known as bruxism. Not only can bruxism cause jaw pain, toothaches, and headaches, but it can also wear down the enamel of your teeth over time and lead to other types of dental damage.
If you grind your teeth in your sleep, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard to help protect your teeth. If you have severely misaligned teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may determine that you need to have some of your teeth extracted to correct your bite.
If your teeth are overcrowded and overlap as a result, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. Once your dentist has performed a comprehensive oral exam, they will recommend a plan of care to help you regain your oral health.
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About Me
I have never liked my teeth. I had a lot of dental problems, including deep staining and oddly shaped teeth. Every tooth did not have the same shape, and some were rounded while others were more square. Not surprisingly, I never smiled in pictures and not even much in real life. This left people thinking I was mean before they even met me. My dentist told me my best bet to improve the look of my smile was a set of porcelain dental veneers. He said they could make all my teeth white and the same shape. I said I wanted them without any hesitation, and we scheduled my procedures. I love my new teeth, and they really did change my life. I created this blog to help other people living with teeth they don't like realize that they do have options that can improve their smiles and their lives.