It is easy to imagine that your teeth remain permanently in the correct place in your jawbone, but they can shift position. Teeth are designed to work together as a well-balanced unit; each is held in place by your jawbone and stretchy pieces of tissue called periodontal ligaments. Various factors can affect the stability of your teeth and could lead to bite problems over time.
Understanding why teeth might shift out of position can help you take preventive action. Four of the most common causes are outlined below.
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Tooth Loss
Tooth loss in Newcastle can occur for various reasons, but when a tooth is missing, it leaves a gap that can destabilize the adjacent teeth. These teeth start to drift towards the gap, creating problems with misalignment, so teeth no longer bite together properly. Tooth loss can frequently occur because of infection and decay or injury.
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Gum Disease
Gum or periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria in dental plaque and tartar. The infection creates inflammation in your gums that can spread to the bone and ligaments holding teeth in place. Over time, the inflammation destroys these tissues, so teeth start to feel loose and shift position.
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Bruxism
Clenching and grinding your teeth or bruxism in Clarington is often a nocturnal habit. It can be extremely destructive, wearing down teeth and causing them to chip and crack. It can also cause gum recession and result in teeth loosening and moving out of place.
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Failure to Wear Retainers
If you received orthodontic care, the final part of treatment is wearing your retainers. Wearing your retainers as directed is essential to hold your teeth in place. Failure to do so could lead to teeth drifting out of place, back towards their original positions and wasting all your hard work.
What to Do to Prevent Teeth Shifting Out Of Place
Luckily, you can do many things to help prevent your teeth from moving out of place, and they are very straightforward.
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups at West Bowmanville Family Dental are essential to any preventive dental care plan. Our dentist can monitor your oral health, detecting any changes much earlier when treatment is easier, more effective, and most likely cheaper.
Most people need to come and see us twice a year. After assessing your oral health, we can let you know how often we would like to see you.
Oral Hygiene Appointments
Our oral hygiene team works hard to keep patients’ teeth and gums healthy, clean, and disease-free. When you book to see our dentist, schedule an appointment with our hygienist at the same time to have your teeth cleaned professionally.
Regularly removing tartar buildup is an easy and effective way to maintain a healthy mouth. We can also discuss caring for your mouth between appointments, ensuring you have the best daily oral care routine.
Daily Oral Care
Ensure you brush your teeth twice daily and floss every day without fail. It’s essential to follow this simple routine to remove dental plaque and food debris from around and between your teeth, greatly reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Eat Well
A good diet is important if you want strong, healthy teeth, gums and jawbone. It also helps protect your overall health. Try to follow a good, varied diet that includes plenty of lean protein, fruit and vegetables and whole grains, keeping sugary foods as an occasional treat.
Replace Missing Teeth
If the worst happens and you lose a tooth, consider replacing it as soon as possible. Our dentist in Courtice can discuss your options and explain each in detail.
