Oral health changes are natural over time, according to Harvard Health Publishing, but shifting teeth and tooth loss require intervention or a consultation in my dental office.
Teeth shift as we age for a variety of reasons, including:
- Gum Disease: The bone is no longer viable enough to support the teeth correctly.
- Mesial Drift: Teeth naturally shift forward after a certain age, but this is typically a minuscule shift.
- Tooth Wear: Tooth wear from bruxism (teeth grinding) or general chewing can exert enough pressure to shift your teeth.
- Tooth Loss: Tooth loss, regardless of age, leads to migration or shifting.
- Natural Bone Changes: Jawbone density may decrease with age, leading to tooth shifts.
- Orthodontic Relapse: Failure to wear your retainer after orthodontic treatment can lead to tooth movement.
How You Can Help Prevent Shifting Teeth
As a dentist in Columbus, MD, I always monitor tooth movement and gum health at every checkup and teeth cleaning, which is why it's important to visit my dental office every 6 months for thorough, consistent tracking.
Additionally, if you lost your retainer or have stopped wearing it, it’s important to schedule a visit and get back on track with orthodontic retention.
For patients who grind their teeth, it’s crucial to wear a nightguard to reduce pressure on the teeth and gums during sleep.
If you have a missing tooth, we should discuss tooth replacement to protect the integrity of your smile's health. To help prevent tooth loss, visit my dental office regularly and brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily or after every meal.
My goal is to prevent or halt tooth migration to keep your smile beautiful, healthy, and functional for life.
Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup in Columbus, MD
If you have questions or concerns, or if it’s time for your next dental checkup, call my dental team today at (410) 730-3311 to get started. You can also schedule an appointment online.
If you don’t have insurance, ask us about the Pineview Prime Membership plan.