Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—and having a healthy and bright set of pearly whites can go a long way. That said, sometimes our teeth don’t exactly cooperate with what we want them to do and can sometimes move and shift around and become out of place! But what causes this movement and what can you do about it to ensure that your smile looks and feels its absolute best? Keep reading to learn more about 6 of the reasons for shifting teeth and what your cosmetic dentist can do about it.
1. Natural Aging
Your body undergoes many changes as you age, and many of them occur inside of your mouth. Over time, the ligaments, tissues, and fibers composing the jaw grow weak, causing teeth to sometimes grow loose which can shift your bite. Your lips also contract as you age, which can create pressure on the exterior of your bite and push your teeth inward.
2. Jaw Movement
Your jaw structure will also change as you age, and this can also contribute to tooth movement. Throughout your entire lifespan, your jawbones will continually shift forward—eventually, this force created by the lower teeth can actually push the upper teeth out of place. This misaligns the bite and can cause even more teeth to shift!
3. Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition characterized by the grinding and clenching of one’s teeth. An estimated 10% of the population is affected by bruxism, and many patients grind their teeth unconsciously without even realizing it. This can lead to shifts in the bite, enamel reduction, and even changes to the shape of your teeth. If left untreated, bruxism can progress into serious oral health concerns including TMJ disorders.
4. Dental Trauma
Sustaining a blow to the face can lead to many problems, including tooth loss and other forms of dental trauma. Sometimes these injuries can partially extrude a tooth, where the tooth is still attached but has been shifted out of place. Often, this issue naturally corrects itself or can be treated by your dentist. However, missing teeth will need to be addressed and replaced, as the teeth surrounding the gap will eventually shift and lean towards it, ultimately falling out.
5. Gum Disease
Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and gum disease) can completely obliterate gum tissue and the jawbone, leading to tooth movement and eventually tooth loss. Periodontitis can also spread to surrounding tissue if left untreated, putting your whole mouth, not just your teeth, at risk!
6. Tongue Thrust
Tongue placement while swallowing can cause tooth movement. Tongue thrust, also called reverse swallow, happens when you involuntarily push your tongue against your teeth whenever you swallow or talk, or even as you sleep. This force can gradually create a gap between the forward upper and lower teeth.
Regardless of the cause, you should talk with your dentist if you’re experiencing shifting teeth, to prevent further movement and to fix the teeth that have already shifted. Tooth movement can be gradual and quite difficult to detect, so knowing what causes it to happen and seeking treatment promptly will ensure that your pearly whites stay put and provide you with a healthy and beautiful smile.
About the Practice
Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center proudly serves patients in the Midland area under the leadership of Dr. Franklin Boyles and his son, Dr. Stephen Boyles! Together they combine several collective years of experience and expertise to provide patients with an elite level of dental care. Their practice is pleased to offer several available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. To schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone: (432) 685-7011.