Straight teeth are synonymous to healthier teeth. They give you a better smile and are less prone to chipping or wear. It is thus not surprising that more and more people are investing in different types of braces that can improve the aesthetic appeal and fix their misaligned crooked teeth. Straight teeth contribute to better oral hygiene and overall health too and your orthodontist can be your guide to maintaining them.
Ways to Improve Oral Health with Orthodontic Braces Treatment
There are many benefits to having straight teeth. They help you avoid gum diseases and health problems like diabetes, low immunity or arterial clogging which are caused due to a buildup of oral bacteria in misaligned teeth. Here are a few other advantages straight teeth have on oral health:
- Maintains teeth and gum health - Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush than overlapping teeth which can sometimes act as a food trap. These food particles can attract bacteria and affect gum health. Straight teeth also prevent the common problem of receding gums as the gums do not experience any stress when surrounding your teeth.
- Promotes overall health & prevents diseases – Straight teeth allow effective cleaning through regular brushing and flossing routine which prevents bacteria and plaque buildup. This keeps periodontal diseases, jaw associated problems, and other oral health problems at bay. It also improves overall health by reducing risk of diabetes, heart disease and immunity disorders that are often caused by oral bacteria.
- Addresses jaw issues – Misaligned teeth can affect your speech and make chewing difficult which can cause stress or discomfort in the jaw when you perform these activities. This, along with teeth grinding, causes stress on the TMJ (the important jaw joint) and can even lead to misalignment of the jaw bone. These issues can be nipped in the bud if you fix your misaligned crooked teeth with braces.
- Keeps decay and gum disease at bay - A misaligned dentition or crooked teeth are more conducive to not just tooth decay and wear but also to periodontal diseases (bones and gums) that are more common with age. It has been proven that straightening the teeth, with the help of braces, allows the periodontal tissues to better adjust to the teeth, and thus to stabilize the evolution of the disease.
Diet for better oral health
A healthy diet plays an important role in maintaining oral hygiene. By cutting down on sugars, you can prevent bacterial growth and reduces the risk of dental caries. Fiber-rich foods like apples or carrots act as natural toothbrushes. They also promote saliva flow which helps to rinse the mouth. Since periodontal diseases are often associated with lower levels of vitamins and minerals, natural supplements like Vitamin C, Calcium, Zinc and Magnesium that promote healthier teeth and gums can be taken after consulting your orthodontist.
Orthodontic treatment is not just about improving the appearance of the smile, it will promote better oral health. Straight teeth are a pledge of good health because realigning your teeth will also help preserve the durability of your teeth.
Author Bio:
Dr. Satish Pai – an Ivy League trained dentist and a faculty at Columbia University, believes that a perfect smile not only makes a person look great but feel great while boosting confidence. As the founder of Putnam Orthodontics, he is dedicated to not only creating perfect smiles for his patients but also educating people with his engaging articles about all things related to a perfect smile and oral health. Spending time with his family always brings a smile on his face. In his free time, you can find him golfing, doing yoga or surfing.