local pediatric dentistryWe spend a lot of time and effort in the pursuit of straight teeth. We take care to watch our children’s teething habits, we put metal braces in our mouths, and we take all kinds of precautions to make sure our teeth are strong and straight. But is it really that important to have perfect teeth?

If you’ve been wondering why straight teeth are so important, here are just a few of the reasons:

Benefit #1: Straight Teeth Are Easier To Keep Clean

You can brush, floss, and rinse every day but if you have the option between a straight smile and a misaligned one, you’re going to put in a lot more work with the second option. And sometimes, if you have teeth that aren’t straight, you simply cannot clean certain areas. The teeth are too close together for your tools to get in there. However, they are not too close together for plaque to build up and for tooth decay to set in. This often means  teeth that aren’t straight are at a significantly higher risk for damage and they’ll need more work over the lifetime of the tooth.

Benefit #2: Straight Teeth Lower Your Risk of Disease

If your teeth are straight and easier to clean, it also lowers your risk for disease according to The Epoch Times. If you can keep your teeth clean, you’re less likely to develop gum disease. And, despite the name, gum disease affects more than just your mouth. If you have gum disease, oral bacteria can get into your bloodstream and affect your heart as well as your blood vessels your brain. Gum disease is a contributor to diabetes as well, which is yet another reason to take every precaution to avoid it.

Benefit #3: Improved Self-Confidence

If you have crooked teeth you already know how hard it can be to part your lips when it’s time to smile. You’re afraid of being laughed at and you worry that other people will find you less attractive if they get a good look at your grin. Having straight teeth, according to Braces and Orthodontists, is typically seen as an attractive quality. It makes you stand out  and that can improve your self-confidence. If you’re not trying to constantly hide part of yourself, you will have an easier time of everything from laughing to public speaking to taking group photos.

Benefit #4: Healthy Jawbone

While crooked teeth are not inherently unhealthy, they often present complications that can lead to losing teeth you would have been able to keep had they been straightened. Lost teeth can lead to a weakened jawbone, as the areas where teeth have to be pulled from don’t have anything keeping them strong. While it’s possible to replace lost teeth with artificial ones, it’s often a better idea to avoid future tooth loss and straighten crooked teeth whenever possible.

Benefit #5: Fewer Overall Problems

Crooked teeth are associated with a lot of problems we don’t often think about. Teeth chipping is more common if someone doesn’t have straight teeth. Grinding, and the headaches that come with grinding, are also significantly more common. Lip and gum injury are common in those who have crooked teeth. Avoiding these types of issues can have a significant impact on day to day living.

Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry knows that straight teeth lead to a lifetime of good overall health. The benefits of having a straight, well-aligned smile go far beyond the aesthetic value.  Our team of providers work with you and your child to provide a lifetime of excellent oral health. Ready to get started? Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!