We all know of the aesthetic issues misaligned teeth and jaws can have. However, the issues of malocclusion extend far beyond the aesthetic, negatively influencing both your oral and total body health. Here, we’ll discuss some of the most concerning effects malocclusion can have on your health and explain why orthodontic care is necessary, and potentially life saving care. 

Hygiene:

When teeth are not aligned properly, it can make it extremely difficult for your toothbrush to reach all the places that it needs to. When this occurs, it allows plaque and tartar to build up on teeth, potentially leading to tooth decay, periodontal disease, and therefore an even worse bite. Beyond the unenviable prospect of losing teeth due to tooth decay or periodontal disease, this condition also leaves your remaining teeth open to decay in a domino like effect. Avoid this fate and get the orthodontic care you need.

Speech:

In addition to proper hygiene, your teeth and jaw can have serious impacts on your ability to speak properly. From speech impediments to proper breathing, a malocclusion can be a serious hindrance on your life.   

Diet:

This may be one of the effects of a misaligned bite you haven’t thought of. When your bite isn’t working the way it should, it can impact your ability to eat the foods you need to remain properly nutritioned. When this happens, patients can start to eat foods they shouldn’t, gaining serious weight, or not eating at all and losing too much weight. 

The huge host of health issues that come from malnutrition and the resulting fluctuations in weight are far too innumerable to list out in this short blog, but you can certainly imagine the damaging impacts for yourself. Among the many are high blood pressure, stroke,  osteoporosis, depression, and some types of cancer. 

The good news is that professional orthodontic care can prevent all of these negative effects from occurring in the first place. Our team is dedicated to giving you the healthiest smile possible so that you can enjoy your life to the fullest. To get the care you need, schedule an appointment with our office today.