Signs and Symptoms of Shifting Teeth
We all simply take for granted that our permanent teeth are indeed in their permanent place, but they actually shift and adjust position throughout your life. This is completely natural, normal, and usually unproblematic. In some cases, though, this shifting can be more pronounced, resulting in crookedness, or malocclusion, and even discomfort in your teeth.
It is normal for your teeth to shift with time, they will move slightly with age toward the front and center of your mouth. You will not notice any immediate effects of this shift because it is gradual.
There are some factors that can increase the amount of movement your teeth shift, such as gum conditions and other health issues. These factors will enhance further complications, including crooked teeth and a misaligned jaw.
Signs And Symptoms of Teeth Shifting
One of the initial signs of shifting teeth is that your lower jaw naturally becomes narrower, and it will then cause your lower teeth to overlap becoming crowded. You might also notice some slight changes in your bite pattern and the alignment where your top and bottom teeth come together. The changing pressure on the teeth eventually builds up over time, developing gaps between your upper teeth. Sometimes, gum bleeding can be a sign of teeth shifting, but gum bleeding can also happen for a variety of reasons.
If you are concerned about your teeth shifting, there are a few signs that you can monitor, which include:
* A Midline Shift- When the line between your two front and lower teeth does not line up properly and is not aligned with the center of your nose and eyebrows.
* Gum Bleeding- Can be a sign of periodontal issues, which can increase the likelihood of shifting teeth.
* Gaps- Between your teeth are a common and easy-to-spot sign that your teeth are shifting. Gaps can also be an indication of developing periodontal problems.
* Discomfort- If you experience more tooth discomfort or sensitivity than normal, this might be a sign of shifting teeth.
* Your Retainer- Is uncomfortable or ill-fitting, then this is a sign that your teeth are shifting, because your dentist has custom made your retainer to fit your well-aligned teeth perfectly.
Causes For Teeth Shifting
There are a number of reasons that teeth shift and change position, such as from wearing braces, grinding your teeth, having a tooth removed, changes with your jaw, or having gum disease. Even wearing a CPAP at night, or a continuous positive airway pressure therapy device for sleep problems, can cause teeth to shift.
Weakened enamel is another cause for teeth shifting. Enamel loss often happens because of acid erosion that occurs from the food you chose to eat.
Tooth loss is quite common. It can eventually affect the alignment of your teeth, compromising the proper support. It can happen from having tooth decay or from experiencing an accident.
Noticing a change in the alignment of your teeth alignment is a primary sign of teeth shifting. If you experience a shift in your teeth, it can be from a number of oral conditions. Schedule an examination with your dental office to determine the cause and the proper treatment.