If you’re dealing with crooked, overcrowded, chipped, or broken teeth, you might be considering restoring your smile through dental procedures. But aside from the cosmetic appeal what other reasons are there to fix your teeth? You may be surprised to learn that some problems that appear merely cosmetic can actually affect your oral and even your overall health. Drs. Jeremi and John Arroyo of District Dental Solutions are an experienced dentists in Washington DC who can help restore and preserve your smile.
Decrease Your Risk of Gum Disease
Overcrowded or crooked teeth may signal deeper problem beneath the gums. Teeth can gradually shift around in the mouth, and become overcrowded if there’s nowhere for them to go. When teeth move too close together, they can crack or fracture from the pressure. This can lead to pain or even an infection if not treated properly.
Crooked, chipped, or broken teeth also make effective brushing and flossing difficult. If teeth are not cleaned properly, plaque can build up and begin eroding enamel and gums, which could cause them to become infected. Doctors have linked progressive gum disease to systemic health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
Ensure Your Teeth Wear Evenly
If your teeth are not aligned properly, they can wear unevenly over time, causing premature tooth decay or pain. Excessive tooth wear is usually caused by an uneven bite, which could be the result of an overbite, underbite, a jaw injury, crooked or missing teeth, or even an uneven crown or molding fit.
Excessive wear of the teeth can lead to more serious dental health concerns because the more sensitive layers of tissue under the enamel, called the dentin, can be exposed. Once the dentin has been exposed it erodes even faster and more painfully than enamel. If an uneven bite problem is left untreated, an individual’s teeth can be worn down to stumps. Only extensive restorative dental procedures such as bridges, crowns, root canals, implants and or even dentures can treat the issue that ‘late in the game’.
Improve Overall Health
As mentioned above, gum disease is linked to overall health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s. An uneven bite, fractured or overcrowded teeth, or even missing teeth can be difficult to clean properly leading to tooth decay and gum disease and even to systemic issues stemming from these. Correcting what seems like a cosmetic problem can actually keep your body healthy.
How to Improve Your Smile
Drs. Arroyo are experienced dentists who offer many different types of conservative, effective treatments to fit your needs. If you’re in the Washington DC area, call (202) 955-5787 or schedule a consultation online with our office today to keep your smile healthy and your confidence high!
