If you’ve looked in the mirror recently and noticed a slight difference in the appearance of your smile, it could be due to teeth shifting. As your body changes over time, you may see the alignment of your teeth do the same, but it could put you at an increased risk of developing oral health problems down the road. Read on to learn about three reasons your teeth may be shifting and how your dentist in Warsaw could help address the issue.
3 Reasons Your Teeth May Be Shifting
Teeth can shift out of place for a variety of reasons, but here are some common underlying causes of this problem. In any case, it’s always a good idea to schedule a visit with your dentist if you notice shifting teeth.
Tooth Loss
If you’ve lost a tooth due to injury or an oral health problem like an infection, this could be the reason that your smile doesn’t look quite the same. The new gap in your arch has allowed space for your surrounding teeth to naturally drift apart to fill it in. This could impact your bite alignment, so it’s good to be aware of other symptoms you may be experiencing as well, like grinding or jaw pain.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems that affect people, impacting an estimated one out of two adults in the nation. When left untreated, it can damage and erode the gum tissue and jaw bone that hold and support your teeth, eventually leading to dental movement.
Natural Development
If you’re a teenager or young adult, you may be noticing your teeth shift naturally as you grow and your oral structure changes. This is a common oral problem that leads many people to invest in orthodontic treatments.
Solutions for Shifting Teeth & Their Underlying Causes
No matter what the underlying cause of your shifting teeth is, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a dentist to examine the issue and how it could impact your oral health down the road. Depending on what they find, they may suggest an orthodontic treatment like Invisalign in Warsaw, a custom-crafted nightguard to minimize the effects of teeth grinding, or gum disease therapy, like scaling and root planing. In any case, they have the expertise and technology to help keep your smile in tip-top shape for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Mike Rudolph has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years, with 15 of those years spent in Warsaw. He believes in providing all his patients with thorough and comprehensive care, which is why he offers every solution from Invisalign to dental implants under one roof. If you’re concerned about shifting teeth, visit our website or call 574-269-1787 to schedule a checkup today.