Most people want a beautiful smile with straight teeth for aesthetic reasons, but there are specific health benefits that come with it as well. Several studies have shown that there is a link between oral and overall health. This is especially true when it comes to preventing infections that start in the gums or teeth. If you’re wondering how straight teeth can help you have and maintain good oral health, read on.
Easier to Clean
The biggest reason that people with straight teeth have good oral hygiene has to do with the fact that it’s easier to clean straight teeth than crooked or crowded mouths. For example, a mouth with several crooked teeth can lead to overcrowding, which means it’s more difficult to reach in between the teeth during flossing and brushing. With straight teeth, it’s much easier to start and maintain proper hygiene. For optimal results, brush and floss after every meal. Flossing especially is made easier if you have straighter teeth.
Less Room for Bacteria
Harmful bacteria grow in warm, moist spaces, so the mouth is a perfect environment for this to occur. This is why it’s so important to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are necessary to remove plaque and tartar - hardened plaque - from the surface of the teeth and gums. If you don’t remove it properly, leftover food can get stuck in between the gums and teeth. This is very common for the back molars and other hard to reach places. With a straight smile, it’s much easier to reach in between the gums than it is with overcrowding or crooked teeth. Without allowing the opportunity for bacteria to grow unchecked, having straight teeth help decrease the chances of developing an infection that can affect other parts of your body. Bacterial infections, including gum and tooth infections, can increase your risk for other health problems like cardiovascular disease.
Healthy Gums
A final but still very important factor in good oral hygiene has to do with your gums. Gum disease is fairly common but preventable, especially if you floss and brush regularly. Straight teeth also play in role in keeping your gums healthy. Overcrowded and crooked teeth can put pressure on your gum line, in addition to being difficult to clean as mentioned above. Symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen gums, tooth sensitivity, bleeding while brushing, and consistent bad breath. If gum disease progresses to periodontitis, you can be in danger of losing one or even several teeth. Avoid this scenario by maintaining a straight smile and continuing to practice good oral hygiene.
Want a Straight Smile?
Have you thought about getting Invisalign to help straighten your smile? There’s no better time than the present! Give us a call today to learn more about our services to give you a straighter, healthier smile this year.