Health Benefits of Having Straighter Teeth In Clear Lake
Your oral health is directly related to your overall wellness. For this reason, Rosas Family Dentistry in Clear Lake, TX prides itself in providing your family with the highest quality dental care.
One dental problem that affects nearly 75% of Americans is misaligned teeth. Straightening your teeth not only corrects cosmetic concerns but also benefits your overall health. Dr. Rosas and her highly skilled staff of dental professionals have undergone extensive training to provide you with the latest technologies in straightening your smile. Here is a list of the top benefits of straighter teeth.
Healthier Teeth
When teeth are crooked and misaligned, bacteria and food debris have an easier time hiding in between and around them, not to mention your gums. The ability to brush and floss effectively is limited, resulting in an increased risk of tooth decay. When teeth are straight, teeth are easier to care for and statistically less likely to have as many cavities.
Decreased Risk for Periodontal Disease
Similar to the benefit of healthier teeth, your gum tissue will also benefit from having straighter teeth. Studies have proven that periodontal disease is directly linked to cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis. Periodontal Disease occurs when bacteria harbor under the gum tissue, causing an infection. This infection is painless but attacks the bone tissue surrounding the teeth.
Good home care can prevent the progression of this disease. Brushing and flossing are more effective when teeth are aligned, resulting in fewer bacteria that are able to accumulate around the teeth under the gum tissue.
Healthier TMJ Joints
The way your teeth come together when you bite and chew is called your occlusion. When your occlusion is not correct, uneven bite forces eventually cause wear and tear to your TMJ joint which results in permanent damage. Frequent headaches and pain or popping when opening your mouth are common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. Straightening your teeth will also correct the occlusion and put the TMJ in better alignment. TMJ dysfunction is most often treated first by straightening the teeth.
Reduced Risk For Wear, Fractures and Broken Teeth
Along with a healthier TMJ joint, correcting your occlusion with straighter teeth will reduce your risk for excessive wear and chips in the teeth. Teeth are shaped to fit together when biting and chewing, similar to puzzle pieces. Biting and chewing with misaligned teeth will cause areas of enamel to wear down in order to fit together. Teeth will ultimately appear flattened or shorter and can be very sensitive. Straightening your teeth can prevent further damage to your enamel
Improved Nutrition
If you are missing a tooth or have large spaces between your teeth, you may avoid certain foods that get lodged into these spaces easily. Or you might have difficulty grinding down foods so that your digestive system can absorb them properly. When your occlusion is correct and your TMJ is functioning properly, you can enjoy healthy foods and enhance your nutrient absorption once the food has left your mouth.
Improved Speech
Having straight teeth not only gives you a beautiful smile that you want to share but how your teeth are situated in your mouth can drastically change your ability to speak more clearly. A common habit among children is thumb-sucking. This habit causes front teeth to angle outward and creates a high, shallow pallet. Air is then directed through the mouth when speaking, causing a lisp to form. Straightening the teeth will allow air to flow correctly. Orthodontics is often times combined with speech therapy to completely correct this problem.
Improved Sleep
Not only is proper airflow needed to produce clear speech, but it’s directly related to the quality of sleep you are getting. When teeth are misaligned and your TMJ is not functioning properly, you may experience snoring when sleeping. Snoring is caused when your airway becomes partially closed. This occurs when the lower jaw opens and slides back while you are asleep. Sleep apnea is a common health problem caused by a lack of oxygen during sleeping. Straightening your teeth can result in a more open airway and improved sleep. Adequate oxygen to the blood and to the brain is essential in preventing many health conditions as well as helping you feel more rested and focused during the day.
Overall Improvement in Health
While misaligned and crooked teeth are a cosmetic concern, correcting your smile can have a direct effect on your overall health. Improvements in your home care leads to healthier teeth and gums. Healthy teeth and gums provide support to enjoy the foods your body needs to prevent common health conditions. With straighter teeth, you can enjoy a better night’s sleep and ensure your body is getting the oxygen it needs.
Dr. Rosas of Rosas Family Dentistry in Clear Lake, TX can help you achieve your healthiest you! Call us today.