Having crooked teeth might seem like more of a cosmetic issue that makes you feel self-conscious about your appearance. However, having one or more crooked teeth can affect your health. The following are some of the health problems you might develop when your teeth aren’t straight.

TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) refers to a problem with the way this joint moves when you open and close your mouth. Having crooked teeth might cause you to bite down harder on one side, leading to too much strain on this joint. If you are experiencing TMJ, you might have symptoms such as soreness in your jaw, a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth or pain in your neck or ear on one side.

Gum Disease

Crooked teeth can end up causing problems for your gums. You can develop gum inflammation that leads to gum disease when you’re unable to properly clean between these teeth. Food debris and bacteria can build up between crooked teeth over time, which can cause infections in your gum. Even with flossing, you might not be able to thoroughly clean between these teeth in order to prevent gum problems.

Headaches

When you have crooked teeth, this can strain the muscles in your jaw when you open and close your mouth. This strain can cause soreness in these muscles and end up triggering headaches or migraines as the pain spreads or radiates to other areas. Keep in mind that clenching your jaw, especially when you have crooked teeth, can increase your risk of developing headaches.

Tooth Decay

Since it’s more difficult to thoroughly clean crooked teeth, your risk of tooth decay can increase. Bacteria and plaque buildup can cause tooth decay to occur when you’re unable to properly brush the entire surface of each tooth. Without treatment, tooth decay can eventually cause severe damage that requires tooth extraction. Tooth decay also puts you at risk of having tooth infections that cause serious pain and require emergency treatment.

Worn Enamel

Crooked teeth can cause tooth enamel to wear away when they rub together. Enamel protects your teeth from bacteria and decay. As tooth enamel wears away, your risk of developing decay, infections, and tooth abscesses can increase. This can lead to permanent tooth loss and a higher risk of having an infection that spreads to other parts of your body.

Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth

Orthodontic care can help correct crooked teeth and reduce your risk of developing health problems. This type of care can ensure that you have proper tooth alignment, which can protect your health and boost your self-confidence. Aligners, braces, and other options are available to help correct crooked teeth.

If you’re experiencing problems due to crooked teeth, please visit Rollins and Petersen to learn more about our orthodontic services in Arizona.