Shifting Teeth with Age
Your body experiences change as you age. We expect these natural changes as we grow into adulthood, but many of the changes can go unnoticed. You may not be measuring your height anymore, but it is still important to pay attention to change. One change to watch is shifting teeth. Your teeth can naturally shift as you age.
Why Do Your Teeth Shift with Age
Even if you are practicing a consistent habit of regular brushing and flossing, your teeth can shift as you age. There is no predetermined date or event at which all of your teeth fall out. But your teeth do experience tiny changes over a longer life. Some of the most common causes of teeth shifting with age include:
* Teeth Grinding and Clenching Over Time- Grinding your teeth is a subconscious action that can occur during the day or in your sleep. As you grind your teeth or you clench your jaw, your molars are experiencing additional pressure. Those molars can begin to shift and push your other teeth out of place. Grinding and clenching also causes teeth to wear, chip, and break. You may experience headaches, tooth sensitivity, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and increased discomfort.
* Bone Loss and Gum Recession- As you age, you might begin to experience a loss of bone or bone density, and your teeth are not excluded. This bone loss causes your gums to recede, making your teeth appear to look longer. With age ligaments, gum tissue, and bone begin to weaken, causing your teeth to shift. Lower teeth begin to shift before upper teeth and then bump against your upper teeth while chewing. This contact will wear away enamel and cause your top teeth to shift forward.
Preventing Your Teeth from Shifting
There are some things you can do to prevent or delay your teeth from shifting. The best defense against receding gum lines that can cause teeth to weaken, and shift is a simple, good oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth twice a day. Another good thing to do for gum health is to regularly floss. Receding gum lines are a serious risk to your oral health, resulting in plaque buildup between your teeth that causes decay, cavities, and bone loss. Do not let a bad oral hygiene routine affect your straight, healthy smile.
You can also talk to your dentist about restorative dentistry such as veneers or crowns that can help prevent your teeth from shifting. If you have had braces or other orthodontic work done, then you should wear a retainer, or another aligner as recommended to keep your teeth in place. You can also ask your dentist about getting fitted for a mouthguard to wear at night to prevent yourself from damaging your teeth by grinding or clenching them while you sleep.
Treating Shifting Teeth
If you have noticed your teeth starting to shift, call your dentist right away. With a regular dental checkup schedule, you will be able to catch these issues before they become a problem. Your dentist can recommend a treatment plan to correct any shifting that has occurred and prevent any further shifting as you age.