Gummy Smile? You Don't Have to Live with It

There are multiple factors that can affect the alignment of your teeth. Some of them are age-related. Here are two conditions that usually affect people at different times in life and can cause the teeth to shift from their proper position:

Sucking of the Thumb

Many people suck their thumb during childhood. The habit, which can begin before you ever exit the womb, may be difficult to break.

When you suck your thumb, it is usually pressed firmly against the roof of the mouth. This pressure, if rarely received, has little impact on the teeth. However, if the thumb is sucked on a regular basis, as the teeth present, their alignment may be skewed.

The contours of the palate help guide the positioning of the teeth. Thumb-sucking can alter the upper palate's contours. In addition, it can force already-presented teeth forward and outward. As a result, the front teeth can look bucked, and a gap may present.

These issues can be avoided if thumb-sucking is stopped early in childhood. To discourage thumb-sucking in a toddler or young child, try the following:

• Coat the thumb with a distasteful spice or solution, such as a bit of hot sauce or vinegar.
• Take the thumb from the mouth when the child is resting.
• Offer the child food or gum to fill the void in his or her mouth.

Bone Density Loss

Bone loss usually affects aging adults. As the density of the jawbone naturally declines, the teeth are not held as firmly in position. This can result in shifting.

Each tooth helps prevent the teeth that are next to it from moving out of place, but when one tooth shifts, it offers room for nearby teeth to migrate, too. This often occurs after a tooth is lost.

With age, the chance that a tooth will be lost increases. Teeth that are missing from the mouth affect bone density and dental alignment simultaneously. Teeth offer stimulation for the jawbone when you chew or eat, and proper jawbone density holds your teeth firmly in place. When a tooth is lost, the density of your jawbone may start to decline, and teeth may become loose and start to migrate. 

To help prevent misalignment from a decline in bone density, try the following:

• Get regular professional dental cleanings to prevent the buildup of tartar around the gum line.
• Brush and floss daily.
• Use a mouthguard as you sleep if you suffer from bruxism and during contact sports.
• Replace lost teeth with dental implants.

To learn more about dental misalignments and how they can be avoided, visit a dentist in your local area.