Have you noticed that your teeth seem a little less aligned than they once were? Maybe you’ve begun to experience jaw pain that wasn’t there before? These, and many other symptoms, can be signs that your teeth are shifting. As the dentist Montreal residents trust with their smiles, we thought this would be a great time to explore teeth shifting: what causes it and what can you do about it?
Is Teeth Shifting Normal?
It’s good to know that some teeth shifting is normal for everybody. Over time, teeth naturally move and shift a little bit. However, certain stressors can trigger movement that’s more significant than what would generally be considered normal. In these cases, you could wind up with:
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Cavities resulting from bacterial buildup in overcrowded areas
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Tooth loss
What Causes Teeth Shifting?
There are many reasons you might be experiencing teeth shifting, and each patient’s situation is unique. Here are a few common reasons that are known to cause teeth shifting:
1. Gum Disease
Just as teeth shifting can cause gum disease if the bacteria in your mouth is left along the gum lines for too long, gum disease can also be the cause of why your teeth are shifting in the first place.
Gum disease causes your teeth to pull away from each other as the tendons that hold them in place become weakened.
2. Spaces Between Your Teeth
Extra space between your teeth can give way to shifting as you age. Sometimes, this is the result of a phenomenon called Mesial Drift, which is the tendency for teeth to naturally shift toward the front of the mouth. Experts aren’t quite sure why the body reacts this way over time, but it’s often the source for teeth shifting in many adults.
3. Tooth Loss or Removal
When a permanent tooth is no longer in the spot that would otherwise keep teeth from shifting, the teeth behind it tend to begin to take over that space. This is one reason why dental implants can be so important to proper oral health and beautiful smiles.
4. Teeth Grinding
The pressure of teeth grinding can push teeth out of alignment. A night guard can help prevent this type of movement.
Are you seeking a dentist Montreal patients turn to when they feel their teeth are shifting? You’ve come to the right place. Schedule an initial appointment with Retter Dental Care today!
