Like any other part of your body, your teeth change as the years pass by. There are different reasons your teeth may shift as you age, and being proactive about practicing good oral hygiene and receiving regular dental care at your NDG dental clinic can help keep your mouth healthy.
What Causes Teeth To Shift As You Age?
Gum Recession and Bone Loss
The phrase “long in the tooth,” has a ring of truth to it. As you age, you lose bone and your gums naturally start to recede, making your teeth appear longer. Although teeth are strong, as gum tissue, ligaments and bone start to weaken, teeth can shift more easily. Bottom teeth tend to shift earlier than your top teeth do. As your lower teeth shift, they hit your upper front teeth when you’re chewing, which can wear away enamel and cause top teeth to push forward.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Molars take the brunt of the pressure when you grind your teeth, and eventually may start to shift and push your other teeth out of place. Grinding can also cause teeth to wear, chip or break, and lead to tooth sensitivity, headache and TMJ. At our NDG dental clinic in Westmount, we offer custom-made mouth guards that protect your teeth from clenching, grinding and shifting.
How to Prevent and Treat Shifting Teeth
Prevention is the best way to keep aging teeth from shifting. Receding gums allow more plaque to form between teeth, causing decay, bone loss and cavities. Practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist at your NDG dental clinic for regular checkups and cleanings can help to ensure you catch dental problems before they get out of control.
Talk to your dentist at your NDG dental clinic in Westmount about how veneers or crowns can prevent your teeth from shifting. These types of restorations may not only prevent shifting, they can enhance your smile and lead to better oral health. It’s also important to keep in mind that orthodontics aren’t just for teenagers–if you’ve had braces, wear a retainer to keep teeth in place.
