7 Health Benefits of Straight Teeth
Feeling confident with your smile is important, especially because a smile is often one of the first things people notice about us. Having straight teeth will go beyond just giving you a great smile, but also improve your health in several ways. Take a look at these 7 health benefits of straight teeth:
- Improved oral hygiene:
Misaligned teeth can actually make it harder for you to properly clean them. Crooked and crowded teeth make it easier for food particles to get trapped between your teeth, which increases your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Crooked teeth can even cause damage to your gums, and lead to mouth sores and infections.
- Better speech:
Teeth that are in incorrect positions may cause speech issues. Crooked teeth can cause speech impediments which can greatly impact self-confidence. For instance, crowded teeth, gapped teeth, or teeth sticking too far forward can impact the way you speak.
- Better chewing:
A proper bite is necessary to help you chew efficiently and without damaging your teeth. In addition, chewing properly is necessary for proper digestion. When food is not broken down correctly, this can result in digestive issues.
- Lower risk of injury to teeth:
Teeth that are too far forward tend to be more prone to injury in accidents. In addition, teeth that do not come together properly are at higher risk of wear, chipping, and tooth fracture. Even your cheeks, gums, and tongue may be more susceptible to injury and uncomfortable sores due to misaligned teeth.
- Healthier relationship of your jaws:
When teeth do not come together properly added stress may occur within the jaws and may even lead to headaches. Temporomandibular joint disorders can also develop, which can create pain and limit jaw movement.
- Improved overall health:
Taking care of your oral health is essential to taking care of your overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to many systemic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and much more. Regular toothbrushing, flossing, and dental visits are key to ensuring that you are maintaining a healthy smile and body. Your mouth truly is a window to the rest of your body!
- Increased self-confidence:
Having straight teeth can help you feel more confident about your smile. Increased self-confidence can help you perform better in all aspects of life, from school, to work, to your social life.
If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, speak with your dental professional to hear about your options to help give you a healthy smile!
Written By Heather Smith
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