Causes of Teeth Shifting and How to Prevent Them

Several things can cause the teeth to shift. From losing a tooth to certain oral health issues, it can cause your smile to become lopsided and less visually appealing. Though a crooked smile as a result of shifting teeth can make your confidence take a hit, what could be causing the issue in the first place? Read on to learn about a few common causes of teeth shifting and what you can do to stop it from happening.

Causes of Teeth Shifting

When your teeth begin to shift out of place, this is a sign that something isn’t right. If left untreated, it can even lead to other more serious complications down the line. A few things that may cause teeth to shift include:

• Aging – As we get older, the lips contract the jawbones shift forward, which pushes our teeth out of place.
• Changes in bone density – Overtime, our bone density changes. This can result in a weakened connection where the teeth attach to the jaw.
• Tooth grinding – Also called bruxism, tooth grinding can forcefully move teeth out of place.
• Tooth loss because of injury or illness can cause nearby teeth to shift to fill the space
• Dental and orthodontic procedures – Common procedures such as installing implants and Invisalign can cause the teeth to shift.
• Gum disease – Also called periodontal disease, this infection of the gums can destroy tissue and damage the jawbone, which may lead to tooth movement.
• Involuntarily pushing – Thrustingthe tongue against the teeth can gradually lead to a gap forming between the upper and lower teeth.

How to Prevent Teeth Shifting

If your teeth are beginning to shift, ask your dentist about Invisalign. This may help correct the issue by moving the teeth into the correct position. You may also need to wear a retainer once you’ve completed treatment to prevent the teeth from shifting back out of place. If you’re missing teeth, dental implants or partial dentures may be able to prevent unwanted tooth movement. Additionally, if you grind your teeth while you sleep, a nightguard can create a buffer between the top and bottom teeth. Dental crowns and veneers can also be used to make the teeth look more uniform, therefore improving their appearance.

Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth twice for two minutes and flossing once per day will keep your pearly whites healthy and allow you to avoid cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues that can lead to tooth loss. Avoid foods that can crack, chip, or put excessive pressure on your teeth. You should also limit your intake of overly sweet or acidic foods and drinks to prevent premature enamel wear and visit your dentist twice per year for checkups and cleanings.

Regardless of what caused your teeth to shift, contact your dentist as soon as you notice. Prompt treatment can help you protect your oral health and maintain a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile!

About the Practice

Serenity Orthodontics has five offices to make sure quality, reliable care is easily accessible for their Georgia patients. If you are struggling with shifting teeth and need treatment, they can discover the source of the issue and come up with a plan to improve the health of your smile. Visit their website for Serenity Orthodontics’ contact information if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or do have questions about one of their many service offerings.