Shifting teeth can be troubling. Whether you’ve had braces in the past or not, your teeth can shift over time due to various factors. Knowing the primary signs of tooth shifting can help you act in a timely fashion and prevent further dental problems.
What Causes Teeth to Shift?
Everyone is different, meaning that the reasons why their teeth start to shift will differ as well. Some common ones include, but are not limited to the following:
- Aging: As you grow older, your teeth may move slightly, but this is natural. The lower jaw continues to grow forward, causing crowding and shifting of the teeth.
- Tooth Loss: If a lost tooth is not replaced, the nearby teeth can shift into the space. This causes misalignment.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease can weaken the support around the teeth. This may cause the teeth to shift.
- Grinding or Clenching: Habitual grinding or clenching can shift your teeth over time.
- Inadequate Retention Post-Orthodontics: If you’ve had braces or other orthodontic treatments and you’re not diligent about wearing your retainer, your teeth can gradually move back to their original positions.
- Dental Work: Crowns, fillings, or other dental procedures can sometimes cause teeth to shift if not done properly.
Signs to Watch Out For
Now that you know what can cause teeth to shift, let’s discuss the primary signs of tooth shifting. It’s important to be aware of these symptoms to address any issues promptly.
- Changes in Your Bite – One of the first signs your teeth are shifting is a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite down. You might notice that your bite feels different or that your teeth no longer line up as they used to. Chewing becomes challenging and uncomfortable as a result.
- Gaps or Crowding – Another symptom of shifting teeth is gaps or increased crowding. You might notice a gap where there wasn’t one before or that your teeth are overlapping more than they used to.
- Difficulty Flossing – If your teeth have shifted, you might find it harder to floss between certain teeth. This can be a sign of crowding, where teeth are moving closer together.
- Discomfort or Pain – Pain is often a clear indicator that something isn’t right with your teeth. If you have discomfort, especially when biting, your teeth may be shifting. This pain might be caused by your teeth moving out of their proper alignment.
- Loose Teeth – Feeling like your teeth are loose is a concerning sign that they might be shifting. This is often linked to gum disease. It weakens your teeth’ support structures, allowing them to move more freely.
- Changes in Appearance – Sometimes, shifting teeth can cause noticeable changes in your smile. If your smile looks different or your teeth are less straight, they may be shifting.
- Unexplained Tooth Sensitivity – Tooth sensitivity can be another symptom of shifting teeth. As teeth move, the roots may become more exposed. This may make you more sensitive to hot or cold meals and beverages.
What to Do If You Notice Signs of Tooth Shifting
Take immediate action if you observe any symptoms of shifting teeth. This can prevent further movement and damage. Here’s what you can do:
1. Visit Your Dentist
The first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can check your teeth. They will find the cause of the shifting and recommend treatments.
2. Consider Orthodontic Treatment
If your teeth have shifted a lot, you may need braces or clear aligners to realign them. You can talk to your orthodontist or dentist about these possibilities.
3. Get a Dental Implant
Tooth loss can lead to shifting. Getting a dental implant in Grande Prairie can help fill the gap and stabilize the surrounding teeth.
4. Wear Your Retainer
If you’ve had braces in the past, it’s crucial to wear your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist. This will stop your teeth from moving backward and help keep them in their proper alignment.
5. Address Gum Disease
If gum disease is causing your teeth to shift, your dentist will need to treat the condition to stop the movement and protect your oral health.
Visit the Dental Care Center to Keep Your Smile Strong
Recognizing the signs of tooth shifting is essential for maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Visiting our dentist in Grande Prairie can help you with this effectively, ensuring your smile remains healthy and you don’t experience any pain or discomfort.
Whether you’re looking to receive orthodontic care, book a routine cleaning and checkup, or have questions about another type of treatment, we can help! Contact Dental Care Centre today! We look forward to working with you.