It’s common for dental clients to come in for an appointment with a concern about shifting teeth. At Lovett Dental Katy, we have often seen clients who wonder how to prevent teeth shifting. These individuals may be concerned because they notice some of their teeth are becoming crooked or that one tooth has started to overlap a tooth next to it. When a client has lost a tooth, the shifting is even more noticeable, and they may see several gaps starting to form between their teeth over time.
Often, people don’t think about their teeth and gums until there is a noticeable problem. However, there are several things you can do before your teeth start shifting that can help. After the shifting starts, there are still solutions, so don’t resign yourself to crowding.
How to Prevent Teeth Shifting Before It Happens
By taking some measures in advance, you may not completely prevent your teeth from shifting, but you can lessen the chances of it happening. One of the main things is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing daily. If you can prevent gum disease, you alleviate things like your gums receding, which loosens teeth and allows them to move. Food particles can get lodged between your teeth. The longer it remains there, the more pressure is exerted on teeth and they start shifting. By flossing, you can prevent this.
Many people grind their teeth at night or clench their jaws when stressed. If this happens to you, you can speak with your dentist about getting a mouth guard to wear at night. This helps alleviate the teeth grinding. Becoming aware of the times you clench your jaws will help you learn to stop doing so. Two things that you may not realize can cause teeth shifting is the way you sleep and the way you sit. Sleeping on your stomach puts your head in a position that puts undue pressure on your jaw, and teeth. Sitting with a slouch often sees a person propping up their head with a hand under their chin. This is also something that puts pressure on the jaw. Try to become aware of how you sit and sleep and adjust your position.
How to Prevent Teeth Shifting From Getting Worse
Sometimes you simply can’t prevent the shifting of teeth. As you get older, the shape of your jawline will change, causing your mouth to also change. This may create less room for teeth, and they may start to overlap. Speaking with your dentist about a retainer may help put enough slight pressure on your teeth to keep them in place, or ease overlapping teeth back into the proper position.
Empty spaces are one of the most common causes of shifting teeth. If you have lost a tooth or two, for whatever reason, consider filling the space with a crown. This will prevent the teeth on either side of the gap from shifting into the empty space. If you naturally have gaps between teeth, choosing a veneer can help decrease the gap and prevent the eventual shifting of teeth. Your dentist may also be able to suggest other ways to help.
Help for Shifting Teeth from Lovett Dental Katy
Whether you are trying to learn how to prevent teeth shifting before they start or you are trying to curtail a situation that sees shifting get worse, we can help. Give Lovett Dental Katy a call today to come in for a cleaning and exam at 832-437-6477. We can assess your current situation and give you tips on how you can maintain your smile for as long as possible. Our knowledgeable staff is ready and waiting to see you.