Many people end up postponing orthodontic treatment: after all, it’s just a few crowded teeth, right? What problem could there be? If you think like that, it’s time to change your mindset, because this misalignment can have several consequences for your overall health. Many people only seek a dentist when the situation is already an emergency or when they are experiencing a lot of pain. Don’t wait for the situation to get worse before seeking a solution, because crowded teeth can absolutely get worse! The consequences of delaying orthodontic treatment can be significant, and the problem that initially seemed aesthetic can lead to serious illnesses and cause a lot of pain.
The causes of crowded teeth:
The reason for crowded teeth can be hereditary or due to other factors, such as habits during childhood – using a pacifier, bottle, or thumb sucking. The condition can also result from mouth breathing or a problem in the dental arch caused by trauma. Other possible reasons for teeth shifting are grinding, clenching, or even dental bone loss – the body’s response to the absence of one or more teeth.
5 Consequences of Not Correcting the Problem:
1) TMJ: Incorrect tooth alignment, leading to crossbite, can eventually cause a series of dysfunctions in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When the TMJ is not in its correct position, it can be responsible for headaches, migraines, clicking sounds, pain, and fatigue in the face after meals or after talking a lot. In addition, the dysfunction causes pain in the eyes and ears.
2) Mouth Breathing: Another problem resulting from crowded teeth is mouth breathing, which can bring a series of complications and respiratory diseases to the patient. The nose acts as a kind of filter that prevents the passage of microorganisms, and mouth breathing facilitates the entry of viruses and bacteria into the body, thus making it easier to contract diseases. Furthermore, mouth breathing, especially at night, causes the mouth to become dry and without the necessary lubrication from saliva, which can facilitate the accumulation of plaque and cavities, as well as bad breath. It’s important to observe breathing from an early age, in childhood, to ensure a better quality of life in adolescence and adulthood. Notice if your breathing or your child’s breathing is incorrect.
3) Posture: Just as when you carry a heavy bag in your left hand, your whole body compensates for that weight on the right side, crooked teeth cause the head positioning to change, and this also interferes with posture. This happens because all the muscles are interconnected, and if the oral problem is not treated, the chances of pain affecting other parts of the body are high.
4) Chewing: It is inevitable that, with a crossbite, the patient’s chewing will also be affected – after all, the food is not being processed correctly. Therefore, in addition to potentially causing complications for other organs of the digestive system, the misalignment of the teeth causes the force of chewing to have a greater impact on the roots of some teeth, which can cause sensitive and swollen gums.
5) Oral hygiene: Crowded teeth often encroach on the space of other teeth, narrowing the space between them. Therefore, as the orthodontist explains, it becomes more difficult to clean this area, since neither the toothbrush nor dental floss can operate correctly. The consequence of poor hygiene is the accumulation of bacterial plaque, which in turn leads to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
Crowded teeth can get worse over time, and delaying treatment can lead to problems that go far beyond appearance. As misalignment progresses, it can affect oral hygiene, chewing, jaw function, breathing, and overall comfort, while also increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and pain. The earlier the crowded teeth are evaluated, the easier it is to prevent more serious complications. If you or your child has crowded or shifting teeth, call us today to schedule an appointment and protect your oral health.
Related Article: Can Crowded Teeth Fall Out?