Teeth Shifting? Here's What to Do (& Not to Do) for a Perfect Smile!

Natural Growth and Development

In childhood and adolescence, one can undergo various changes, including the moving of the teeth as a result of the growth processes. Shifting can be a result of the eruption of permanent teeth. Due to changes in identifying bone structure, teeth may also shift later in life.

Genetics and Family History

Family genes may contribute to the possibility of developing some dental problems, such as tooth movements.

Trauma or Injury to the Mouth

Misalignment of teeth may also be a result of injuries, falls, and other accidents that shift the position of teeth from their initial position.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or overuse of the pacifier applies pressure on the teeth and leads to shifting of teeth. Also, poor oral hygiene leads to gum disease or tooth loss, and since the friendly forces would have been lost, neighboring teeth may shift.

Tooth Loss or Extraction

This can happen when a tooth has to be removed or is already decayed and has to be pulled out; other teeth shift to close this space. This movement can make your teeth seem misaligned, or they may not even align at all.

Grinding Teeth

This is because when you clench or grind your teeth, it can put constant pressure and rub on your teeth, and over time your teeth will shift. This can result in misaligned teeth or crooked teeth.

Speak to Your Dentist

If you worry about teeth shifting, it is best to seek professional dental care. Consult your dentist or orthodontist for complete dental evaluation and measures to improve the alignment of the teeth. At times, they may suggest orthodontic treatments, including traditional metal braces or clear aligners.

Retainers for Teeth Shifting

Retainers are dentures that might assist you in coping with teeth shifting. They help in maintaining the aligned position of teeth, besides ensuring that they do not shift back to their original position after the treatment has been conducted.

Teeth Care Tips

Brushing your teeth regularly is very important for dental health and supports the effectiveness of orthodontic appliances. It is also important that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. When brushing the teeth, one should use a soft brush and fluoride-containing toothpaste. Brush your teeth daily, flossing at least once a day to reduce the danger of plaque formation on your teeth.

Watch Your Diet

The type of foods you consume also impacts the health and stability of teeth. It is recommended that the patient have balanced diet so that they do not develop other dental complications that would hinder the orthodontic treatment. Avoid or reduce intake of foods and drinks that are very sweet or acidic, as these cause tooth decay and enamel erosion.

Get a Night Guard if You Clench or Grind Your Teeth

If you suffer from bruxism (teeth clenching), you can also benefit from a night guard that will shield your teeth from the force that shifts the teeth off their original position. Night guard creates a protective shield between your teeth, thus protecting and preventing them from moving and causing harm.

Avoiding the Problem or Treatment

Neglecting dental care can lead to serious oral health problems. If you notice any shifting teeth, misalignment, or bite issues, it's important to consult your dentist immediately. Regular checkups and follow-up visits are crucial for preventing and addressing these problems before they worsen. By taking proactive steps to maintain your oral health, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Forgetting Oral Hygiene

It is important to brush your teeth properly when the teeth are still moving. It is worth knowing that neglected oral hygiene is a grave mistake and can worsen not only gum or tooth disease but also shifting teeth.

Not breaking Bad Habits

Some habits cause teeth to shift and should therefore be discarded. Such habits include but are not limited to, finger-sucking, pushing out the tongue against the roof of the mouth, chewing on objects, or forcibly clenching and grinding the teeth.

Not Wearing the Retainer

It is especially important to follow all your dentist’s recommendations post-treatment with braces or a clear aligner treatment. Failing to wear your retainer or even sometimes leaving it off will give your teeth a chance to shift back into their pre-treatment position.

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Misalignment of teeth is a prevalent problem that can have consequences on a person’s appearance and oral cavity health if left uncorrected. The good news is that all you need is good preventive measures. Thus, by identifying the causes of teeth shifting and following the abovementioned guidelines, you can maintain proper alignment of teeth and a radiant smile.