Over one-third of Americans are unhappy with the quality or appearance of their teeth. And while that leads to personal confidence issues, it can cause so many other issues in life beginning with that first impression. According to a now-famous study, there is scientific proof that an initial impression can make or break the chances for real opportunities. According to the study, nearly 30% of Americans notice teeth first in another person. Almost 25% of people remember the quality of a smile over any other physical attribute. And nearly 40% of adults wouldn’t arrange a second date with someone who had crooked teeth. Of course, crooked teeth can lead to other serious issues that may require you to contact your Midtown Manhattan cosmetic dentist. But what are some common oral health problems caused by crooked teeth?
Bad Breath
Bad breath can indicate a lot of issues including poor food choices, low saliva creation, and poor oral health habits. But crooked or misaligned teeth offer an easier and often more likely cause for bad breath or chronic halitosis. When teeth are crooked, they provide more space and places for food to stick and bacteria to hide. Brushing and flossing are often not enough because the crevices are so hard to navigate. So bacteria and decay flourish and spread. When bacteria are consistently present, so is bad breath.
Headaches
Life is stressful enough without dental issues adding to the issues. But if you have regular or chronic headaches, your teeth could be the culprit. Malocclusion, or crooked teeth, can cause a variety of facial issues including temporomandibular disorders TMD) and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). The bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, associated with the conditions are also linked to migraines. But if you’re fortunate enough to avoid the searing pain and sensitivities associated with migraines, you may still suffer from chronic headaches. And that’s something you can discover when you contact your Midtown Manhattan cosmetic dentist.
Tooth Damage
Misaligned and crooked or jagged teeth can cause mouth and tooth damage on their own. Bite issues cause teeth to overlap and continuous wearing can easily occur. Add in bruxism to the mix, and unintentional, nightly, or stress grinding can wear down enamel, weaken the tooth structure, or result in damage such as cracks and small fractures which often lead to future breakage. And, of course, the more the teeth grind, the more likely painful conditions like TMJ and migraines are to occur.
Decay and Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and most people who have the condition in the lightest stage aren’t even aware of it. Marked by swollen and often sore or bleeding gums, gingivitis is easily reversed with proper oral health care and dental treatment. But the chances of reversal are greatly reduced as the disease progresses. According to nationwide reports, over 50% of Americans have periodontitis, the more advanced stage of gum disease. Decay is the culprit for any stage of gum disease and treatment can become extensive and even painful if postponed. Avoiding treatment can lead to loss of teeth, other illnesses as the bacteria and infection enter the bloodstream, and even have deadly consequences. But gum disease can be caught and controlled. Contact your Midtown Manhattan cosmetic dentist to correct your crooked teeth and kick the associated health problems to the curb once and for all.
