Malocclusion and Its Effects on You
If you go to the dentist and hear the term malocclusion, you might start to worry as it does sound serious. While any dental issue is considered important, malocclusion means that you have a bad bite. There could be a variety of reasons for the poor bite, each of which could make it very difficult for you to keep your teeth clean and free from the risk of gum disease.
Reasons for MalocclusionMost often, a bad bite is noticed during the early elementary years when kids start getting their permanent teeth - typically between the ages of 6 and 12. Sometimes the issue is overlooked causing you to have problems well into your adulthood. There are a variety of reasons that children and adults have a poor bite including:| • |
An overcrowded mouth that does not leave enough room for yet to erupt teeth |
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Severely crooked teeth |
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Misaligned jaws |
How Bad Bites Affect YouSome people do not think that they need to be worried with their bad bite, but it can have long term effects. Teeth that are not aligned properly can make it difficult to keep them clean, leaving you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. In addition, you could also be at risk for:| • |
Fractured teeth |
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Malformed jaw lines |
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Difficulty with proper speech |
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Difficulty eating certain foods |
If you feel your bite is not properly aligned, talk to your dentist today. Adults can have their bites corrected, but the earlier that you have it done, the fewer problems you will have in the future.
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