Health Risks of Crowded Teeth

Posted on 10/10/2023

At Myers Orthodontics, we are here to help you get the best smile you possibly can and address your crowding teeth issue. Our office can help you find the best treatment for straightening your teeth. Although some people shrug off crowding, there are various health risks associated with it. These are a few of the most common.
 

Bad Breath

Crowded teeth often mean that you suffer from bad breath. Not only is this an embarrassing problem, but you may also often notice a persistent unpleasant taste in your mouth. Treatment with adult orthodontics in Knoxville can address crowding and straighten your teeth. This can also cure your bad breath issue.
 

Higher Risk of Gum Disease

Crowding makes you have a much higher risk of gum disease. If your teeth are too close together, it makes it more difficult to practice your regular oral hygiene routine. Particularly, you may have trouble getting floss between your crowded teeth to eliminate excess bacteria, which can lead to plaque buildup. If the crowding issue is severe, you may not be able to move floss between your teeth at all; in that situation, floss can even become stuck. Treatment with orthodontics Bearden can address this problem.
 

Higher Likelihood of Tooth Decay

Along with a higher risk of gum disease, crowded teeth make it more likely to have tooth decay. If you can't remove plaque buildup between your teeth, you can end up with more cavities. This can leave you miserable and dealing with pain while eating, drinking, and chewing, in general.
 

Difficulty Chewing

Another health risk associated with crowded teeth is difficulty chewing. This happens because your teeth are misaligned and your bite is incorrect. It can feel awkward when you chew and prevent you from breaking down certain foods, which can potentially lead to something getting stuck in your throat. In some cases, you could even choke. Adult orthodontics in Knoxville can help your crowding issue with traditional braces or even clear aligners so that you can chew comfortably and normally.
 

Your Teeth Can Wear Out Faster

Crowded teeth often mean you have a misaligned bite. This significantly increases the risk that your teeth will wear out faster. While your mouth is closed or while chewing, your top and bottom teeth may rub against each other and gradually erode away at the protective enamel. With the right orthodontics Bearden treatment, you can avoid this problem and look forward to perfectly aligned teeth.
 

Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Along with gum disease, crowded teeth increase your risk of developing heart disease. If bacteria builds up and is not eliminated from underneath your gums, it can eventually travel. Once it gets into the bloodstream, it can cause inflammation and lead to a heart attack or stroke. Getting braces or Invisalign to properly align your teeth and being able to practice good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent this from happening.

If you are in the Knoxville, Tennessee area and need treatment for crowding, contact our Bearden Office at (865) 584-3924 at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment.