Not many people know that the alignment of their teeth can make or break their dental health. Having straight teeth is not just about having the perfect smile—although that is also a tremendous benefit. But aside from its aesthetic advantages, perfectly aligned teeth also yield some health benefits.
How Straight Teeth Can Keep You Healthy
Crooked teeth are one of the most significant contributors to cavities, which means that having straight teeth will help you avoid cavities as much as possible. There are more nooks and crannies in your mouth when you have crooked teeth. This means cavity-causing bacteria and food debris have more places to hide. Having perfectly-aligned teeth will help you clean them better and thus help you avoid cavities.
Aside from cavities, crooked teeth nooks and crannies can also help keep bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth loss. When you have straight teeth, there’s a higher chance for germs to be directed away from the roots of your teeth, protecting you from serious dental problems.
Having straight teeth now will help you avoid other types of diseases. These conditions might include chronic headaches and other systematic illnesses, which means it can help you save more money down the line as well.
Having perfectly-aligned teeth is one thing, but maintaining it is another task that takes long-term commitment and consistency. Here are some tips for keeping teeth straight once you get them:
Consult with a Dentist
If your teeth are more crooked now, then you first need to consult with a reputable dentist to help you get back on track on your journey to healthy teeth. You first need to know if you need to get braces, dental implants, and other dental treatments to help you address your crooked teeth. They will also provide you with tips and pointers on properly maintaining your teeth, for example, if you need to wear retainers for a period after you’re done with braces.
Follow Dentist’s Instructions
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of neglecting your dental health. For one, you don’t often feel the adverse effects of poor dental and oral health until you experience some level of pain. For another, almost a quarter of Americans in the United States don’t have dental coverage, and it’s so much easier to prioritize other aspects of your health.
But once you do manage to get treatment from your dentists, you need to ensure that you follow their instructions. That way, you’re not wasting the treatment. Suppose your dentist tells you to brush your teeth twice a day or after every meal. You need to follow it to the T. If they recommend that you wear retainers for the next few months, you must abide by that recommendation. Your dentist is committed to the long-term health of your teeth and gums. Therefore, you need to partner with them in caring for the alignment of your teeth.
Practice Good Dental Healthcare
It may seem like obvious advice, but it’s the little things that you do faithfully every single day that can indeed maintain a perfect bite. Here are some reminders to help ensure that you are taking care of your teeth every single day:
- Avoid going to bed without brushing your teeth. It’s during bedtime when the bacteria and other food debris stay lodged in your teeth and other parts of your mouths, and they can wreak the most havoc when left overnight. Don’t give them a fighting chance by ensuring that you get rid of them before you even hit the sheets.
- It’s not just when you brush your teeth that’s important; it’s also how you brush your teeth. When giving your teeth and gums some tender loving care, take your sweet time. Use circular and gentle motions to remove dirt and plaque and gargle three times with warm water to get rid of everything.
- Not many people know this, but plaque can also grow and build upon your tongues. This can cause not just bad breath but also other health issues. Brush your tongue as well every time you brush your teeth, but do it gently and softly.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and pick up the habit of flossing.
Dental health is wealth—your teeth and gums are just as important as other parts of your body. If you genuinely want to care for your physical health, add dental health to that equation too. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are; it’s never too early or late to start caring for your teeth and gums and to have your alignment fixed. You can do it!