Symptoms of Shifting Teeth
Have you noticed your teeth aren’t where they used to be? Or maybe you’ve simply noticed a change in your smile, but you aren’t sure why. If this is the case, you may have shifting teeth.
Below is information about shifting teeth, including the symptoms to look out for, why they shift, and whether or not prevention is possible.
Symptoms of Shifting Teeth
There are a few telltale symptoms you can look out for to determine whether or not your teeth are shifting. These include:
Visible Changes: One of the most obvious signs of shifting teeth is seeing how your teeth have changed over time. If they are starting to get crooked or crowded, you likely have shifting teeth.
Jaw Pain and/or Discomfort: Shifting teeth can sometimes strain your jaw muscles and cause discomfort that includes tightness, stiffness, and aches.
Discomfort When Biting and Chewing: If you’ve recently noticed discomfort and difficulty biting and chewing foods that haven’t given you trouble before, you may be dealing with shifting teeth.
Tooth Sensitivity: Your teeth becoming more sensitive to heat or cold may be a sign of shifting.
Retainers not Fitting Correctly: If you have retainers and have noticed they aren’t quite fitting right, it’s important to visit your orthodontist to see if your teeth have begun shifting.
While these are symptoms to look out for, make sure to schedule an appointment with a dentist so the issue can be professionally diagnosed.
Why Teeth Shift
There are a few common reasons why teeth shift. These include:
- Tooth Loss: If you lose a tooth or teeth your healthy teeth may shift over time and start to fill the gap.
- Gum Disease: Periodontal (gum) disease can make your teeth looser and can lead to shifting over time.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding and Clenching): Without proper treatment, bruxism can lead to movement in your teeth due to the pressure put on them.
- Gradual Changes with Age: It’s important to note that teeth often shift organically with age.
Can I Prevent Shifting?
Generally, you can prevent premature teeth shifting. With that said, shifting due to age can’t really be prevented.
In order to prevent premature shifting, you’ll want to make sure you are taking proper care of your oral health. This includes brushing, flossing, rinsing, and visiting your dentist twice a year. If you are suffering from bruxism, it’s extremely important to address this issue as soon as possible. The same goes for a missing tooth.
With regular trips to the dentist and proper oral care, you should be able to avoid premature teeth shifting.
Reach Out Today
If you believe your teeth may be shifting, reach out today. We’ll set an appointment to take a look at your teeth to better determine if they have begun to shift. If your teeth are shifting, we can determine whether treatment is needed and what the best treatment option would be to meet your needs.
Reach out today to schedule an appointment.