The clues that you may require orthodontic treatment are often more than enamel deep.
Diagnosing misalignment of the jaws and teeth isn’t always as easy as looking in the mirror.
For starters, the problem may
appear much more subtle to the naked eye than a noticeable overbite. But even if you are aware that your teeth and jaw are less than perfect, you may simply dismiss it as an aesthetic is
sue – not a medical one.
Having straight teeth and an ideally aligned jaw does much more than generate confidence; it’s critical to your overall health and well-being. The signs that you need treatment may not always be obvious, but the conditions below can help you determine whether it’s time for you to consult an orthodontist.
What’s Causing Your Cavities?
Visualize what misalignment of the jaws and teeth looks like – and think about the various hiding spots that crooked teeth can create. These gaps and pockets trap food particles, making it difficult for brushing and flossing to prevent plaque from forming and growing. In turn, this plaque attacks teeth and creates cavities.
It’s a viscous cycle, but it’s proof enough that a few crooked teeth can cause more than aesthetic problems.
Headaches and TMD
Almost anything can cause a headache – dehydration, stress and even headphones cranked up way too high.
Misalignment of the jaws and teeth can also cause a headache. Specifically, the muscle, joint and assorted tissue that attach the jaw to your skull may be the reason you’re in need of over the counter pain relievers.
Temporomandibular Joint Pain Dysfunction Syndrome, or TMD for short, is the term used to describe a number of issues that impact this anatomy. And in addition to headaches, TMD can cause chronic back and jaw pain, as well ear aches.
Tough to Stomach
Think that recurring stomach ache may be all in your head? You may be more right than you know.
If you’ve experienced digestive issues or constipation, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that misalignment of the jaws and teeth may be playing a role.
Just think about it: if you’re jaw is painful or simply isn’t operating as it should, then food isn’t being properly chewed before entering the digestive tract. Additionally, some digestive fluids and enzymes may not be properly triggered to do their job in the digestive process. It’s a domino effect of disco
mfort that can be easily fixed once properly diagnosed.
The Net Effect of Misalignment of the Jaws and Teeth
Taken on their own, all of these symptoms – and maladies in their own right – bring a certain amount of discomfort and even pain to the table. Not knowing the root cause often causes frustration, too.
That’s why it’s easy to understand that one of these symptoms taken over a long duration of time – or even multiple symptoms working together – can cause fatigue and even depression.
Not being able to focus, sleep and carry on your normal routine has the ability to greatly impact one’s mental state. Not only does living with misalignment of the jaws and teeth present other potentially challenging health conditions, but many of these symptoms are often difficult to trace back to your jaw and teeth.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms or have other concerns regarding oral health, set up an initial consultation with Dr. Sal to see if you’re a candidate for orthodontic treatment.
What unexpected benefits have you experienced from straighter teeth?
