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If your smile isn’t straight, you may have dealt with anxiety when taking pictures or interviewing for a job. However, did you know that the disadvantages of misaligned teeth aren’t just cosmetic? Your crooked smile could also be affecting your health. If you’ve been on the fence about visiting an orthodontist, use the following list to find out why it’s beneficial to schedule an appointment.

3 of the Main Issues Caused by Crooked Teeth

1. Bad Breath

If your smile is not properly aligned, crowded, overlapping teeth will create small pockets and tight crevices that a toothbrush simply can’t reach. In some cases, it may even be painful or impossible to squeeze floss through misaligned teeth. Food particles will collect faster in these places, and it will be harder to rinse and brush them away. As food decomposes, this can cause bad breath and a foul, lingering taste.

2. Dental Decay

orthodontistIn addition to the unpleasant smell that accompanies stuck-on food, snacks, drinks, and meals will harbor bacteria. As that bacteria and sugar sit along the gumline and in between teeth, it can turn into plaque, and eventually, tartar. This occurs when plaque hardens, and it usually requires a dentist to remove. If left unaddressed, tartar can lead to cavities and gum disease, that may require a root canal or extraction to resolve.

3. Headaches & Jaw Pain

When properly aligned, the top and bottom parts of your smile are meant to fit into one another like puzzle pieces, so your jaw — and the muscles that control it — can relax. If your teeth are crooked, they may cause your jaw to be slightly open at all times, leading to chronic tension headaches. It may even lead to the development of temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, which involves severe jaw pain.

 

If you’re looking for more reasons to head to an orthodontist to realign your smile, head to North Ft. Mitchell Dentistry, John M. Schulte DMD of Covington, KY. For 40 years, this dentist and orthodontist office has been a staple in the Northern Kentucky community. Whether you need a routine cleaning or braces, visit the website to learn more about how they will improve your oral health. You can also call (859) 331-0763 to schedule an appointment with their friendly staff.

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