Common Causes of Twisted Teeth and How to Avoid Them

Are your teeth a bit off-kilter? If you find that your teeth have shifted and are a bit skewed, there is a high chance that you have twisted teeth.

This can cause quite a few problems, not only aesthetically but from a health standpoint. There are several causes, some more serious than others. You will want to address this issue as soon as you encounter the problem.

Check out this guide for the causes of twisted teeth and how to fix them today.

Genetics

Genetics are often the primary cause of twisted teeth, leading to an irregular arrangement of the teeth and malocclusion. It is primarily due to teeth that develop in non-symmetrical ways in the jaw.

It can also lead to an inadequate amount of space in the mouth to accommodate extra teeth. This results in a misaligned smile too. Orthodontic treatments are often necessary to correct misaligned teeth. The treatment can help fix this issue by using light-force braces or aligner trays.

Lightforce braces are the most recent advances in dental technology. They have 3D-printed braces that fit each tooth flawlessly without drawing too much attention to themselves.

Thumb-Sucking

One of the most common causes of crooked teeth is thumb-sucking. This is especially true for children who thumb-suck over a long period of time. The pressure of the thumb on the roof of the mouth can affect teeth alignment and even the size of the top and bottom jaws.

Habitual thumb suckers often end up with protruding front teeth, referred to as an “open bite”. Fortunately, it can be avoided. Showing children how to properly spread their tongue and use finger independence exercises may help prevent the habit from forming.

Encouraging self-soothing behaviors like listening to music and reading a book can help replace the habits and discourage thumb-sucking. When these don’t work, dentists may suggest appliances to help break the habit. It’s important for parents to stay involved and understand the importance of addressing thumb-sucking as soon as possible.

Mouth Breathing

This occurs when a person breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. This can cause the tongue to rest in low positions, which can prompt the front teeth to overlap and disturb the integrity of the dental arch.

One of the best ways to avoid the effects of mouth breathing is to practice nasal breathing. This will help keep the tongue in a higher position.

Additionally, performing facial exercises, such as tongue thrusting and chin tucking. This can help strengthen and tighten the muscles of the face and neck for better alignment of the teeth.

Finally, sleeping on your back can help reduce mouth breathing as well. By implementing these methods, you can help maintain correct tooth alignment and a healthy smile.

Misaligned Jaw Alignment

A misaligned jaw alignment occurs when the upper and lower jaws don’t fit together properly. This causes the teeth to twist over each other. It can also cause difficulty biting and chewing properly.

The best way to avoid misaligned jaw alignment is to practice good oral hygiene. Regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings can help maintain correct jaw alignment and work to prevent any misalignment from occurring in the first place.

Wearing a custom-fitted nightguard can also help keep the teeth from shifting out of place. Additionally, avoiding hard and crunchy foods, such as hard candy, nuts, and ice, can reduce the risk of misaligned jaw alignment and twisted teeth.

Trauma to the Face or Mouth

If a physical injury impacts a person’s jaw or facial structure, the vital facial muscles and joints controlling teeth positioning can become imbalanced. If jawbone fractures and other direct traumas occur, the surrounding teeth may be affected. The severity of the twisting, relocation, or repositioning of the teeth depends on the type of trauma involved.

Overbite or overjet can result from the upper teeth impacting the lower teeth due to trauma. To avoid misaligned teeth as a result of facial trauma, wear a mouth guard during sports activities or other activities which involve the potential for trauma.

If an accident does occur, it is important to receive proper medical attention and be aware of any physical changes that could occur to the teeth. Additionally, ensure the teeth and gums are in good health by practicing preventive oral hygiene such as brushing twice daily and regularly visiting the dentist.

Excessive Tongue Thrusting

This happens when the tongue is thrust forward or up against the front teeth when speaking, swallowing, and sleeping. It causes the structure of the teeth to align abnormally, leading to improper dental development.

To avoid this, it is important to practice proper tongue-resting posture. You can do this by placing the tip of the tongue between the two front teeth and keeping the tongue still while speaking, sleeping, and eating. Additionally, it is important to practice breath-making exercises to strengthen the muscles of the tongue.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding occurs when the teeth don’t properly align or close in the mouth. It can also be caused by stress, a misaligned bite, or even sleep apnea.

Over time, this leads to the teeth grinding against each other. This wears them down and changes the way they fit together, making them look twisted.

It’s important to take preventive steps to avoid teeth grinding. Avoiding stress and getting enough sleep are two important measures you can take. A mouth guard can also prevent any damage from teeth grinding.

If malocclusion or a misaligned jawbone is present, braces or orthodontic work may be needed. Monitoring your jaw and teeth regularly, as well as visiting a dentist regularly, are essential steps to maintain good dental health.

Avoiding Twisted Teeth

Twisted teeth can create many problems, from messing up the appearance of our smile to making eating and talking difficult. Brushing regularly, avoiding certain habits, and aligning the teeth with braces or corrective appliances can avoid these common problems.

We should take care of our teeth to prevent problems and maintain a healthy, attractive smile. Finding an orthodontist can help you get the care you need to improve your oral health. Visit invisalign doctor site to find the best dentist for your dental and oral health today.

For more health advice and insights, check out our blog to learn more!