Ever wondered do teeth shift with age? Spoiler alert: they do! Discover actionable tips and preventive measures to keep your teeth in optimal position as you age in our guide below.
Keep reading to learn how to safeguard your beautiful pearly whites for years to come.
Why Do Teeth Shift?
As we age, the ligaments supporting our teeth may loosen, allowing for subtle movements. Changes in bone density and structure can also contribute to the shifting. Factors such as gum recession, tooth wear, and changes in bite alignment can influence the position of your teeth over time.
Gaps created by tooth loss can lead to neighboring teeth shifting to fill the space, impacting the overall alignment. The top preventative measures for shifting teeth are:
Oral Hygiene
The health of your teeth and gums plays a crucial role in preserving their alignment and structural integrity. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a fundamental practice for maintaining oral hygiene. It helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth effectively. Flossing is a must for cleaning between teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush may not reach.
Dental Retainers
If you’ve undergone orthodontic treatment, wearing retainers as prescribed can help maintain the alignment achieved. Initially, retainers are often worn full-time (24 hours a day) and then transitioned to nighttime wear as the teeth stabilize.
Irregular use of retainers can lead to a loss of the correction achieved during orthodontic treatment. This orthodontist in Hamburg can help you get back on track if you have not been as compliant with your retainer.
By wearing retainers as directed, you actively contribute to preventing shifting teeth. Retainers help to maintain the corrected positions of your teeth and ensure long-term stability.
Replace Missing Teeth Promptly
If you experience tooth loss, consider prompt replacement options like implants or bridges to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting. When a tooth is lost, it creates an empty space in the dental arch.
The adjacent and opposing teeth may start to shift or tilt to fill the tooth gap. This movement can affect the overall alignment and bite.
Shifting teeth can impact the bite, causing changes in the way the upper and lower teeth come together. This misalignment, known as malocclusion, can lead to bite issues and affect overall oral function.
Losing teeth can also contribute to jawbone resorption. This is where the bone in the area of the missing tooth begins to diminish. The reduction in bone density can exacerbate tooth shifting and compromise the stability of surrounding teeth.
Now You Know: “Do Teeth Shift With Age?”
We answered the question “do teeth shift with age?” and shared our top preventative measures to keep your smile straight for as long as possible. Use this knowledge and take action to take the necessary steps to preserve your smile for years to come.
If you’re looking for a dental expert right now to guide you on your journey to healthier and prettier teeth, you can check out this dentist in Huntington Park CA, or one near you
If you found our article helpful, keep browsing our health section for more helpful guides.
Nicole Ann Pore is a writer, an events host and a voice over artist. Travel, health, shopping, lifestyle and business are among the many subjects she writes about. Through quality and well-researched writing, she informs and even entertains readers about things that matter. She is also interested in film critiquing and filmmaking. Giving all the glory to God, Nicole graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts.
