What Causes Crooked Teeth?

updated on November 15, 2023

  • Have you ever cringed at your smile in photos because of crooked or uneven teeth? Do you feel self-conscious about showing your teeth when you laugh or talk? Having an attractive, aligned smile is important for self-confidence and can make positive first impressions.

    This article focuses on providing information for those who have issues with crooked teeth. We'll discuss some of the common causes of crooked teeth in adults and children. Then we'll go over problems that misaligned teeth can lead to, like trouble biting or chewing. Finally, we'll share tips for caring for your crooked teeth to keep them clean and prevent further issues until you can get orthodontic treatment.

    Having a perfect smile may seem out of reach if you have crooked teeth. But understanding the causes, problems, and proper care techniques can help you manage them. With some minor lifestyle adjustments, you can keep your crooked teeth healthy while pursuing options to straighten them.

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  • Causes and Problems of Crooked Teeth

    What leads to crooked teeth in the first place? There are several potential causes:

    • Genetics - Having a family history of crooked teeth increases your risk. Irregularities in jaw size and tooth position can be inherited.

    • Childhood habits - Prolonged thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can alter the alignment of developing teeth and surrounding bone structures in the mouth.

    • Injuries - Facial trauma during childhood affecting the jaw can disrupt natural tooth eruption patterns. This may cause teeth to erupt in crooked positions.

    • Misaligned jaws - Issues like overbites, underbites or uneven jaw sizes can prevent teeth from aligning properly as they come in.

  • While mildly crooked teeth may not directly cause problems at first, certain issues can arise over time depending on your unique situation. Potential problems to be aware of include:

    • Increased gum disease risk - Crooked teeth with gaps and uneven surfaces trap more food debris during brushing. This plaque buildup inflames gums, increasing chance of infection.

    • Chewing difficulties - Misaligned bites make chewing less efficient. Some teeth may endure more wear and tear.

    • Tooth damage - Crooked teeth are more prone to cracks, chips or breaks from uneven biting forces and injuries.

    • Pain - Abnormal bite alignment can lead to jaw pain, headaches or TMJ disorders.

    • Speech impairment - Crooked teeth may cause a lisp or other speech irregularities.

    • Self-esteem issues - Many feel self-conscious about having visibly crooked teeth, affecting their confidence and willingness to smile.

    Consult your dentist to determine if your crooked teeth are likely to cause any oral health or functional issues based on your unique situation.

  • Hygiene Tips for Crooked Teeth

    While orthodontic treatment is usually needed for straightening, you can take measures to keep crooked teeth clean and healthy in the meantime.

    Brushing Tips:

    • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean crooked teeth without damaging enamel.

    • Brush each tooth thoroughly using gentle circular motions to cover all surfaces.

    • Angle brush towards gums and use gentle pressure to disrupt plaque.

    • Spend at least 2 minutes per brushing session to clean all crevices.

    • Consider a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.

    Flossing Tips:

    • Floss once daily using waxed floss that glides between tight spaces of crooked teeth.

    • Work floss carefully between contacts, curving it around tooth contours.

    • Use interdental brushes for wider gaps that floss cannot easily reach.

    • Rinse away dislodged food debris after flossing.

  • Additional Tips:

    • Get professional cleanings every 6 months to access hard-to-reach spots.

    • Ask your dentist for advice on caring for your unique alignment issues.

    • Use mouthwash to reduce bacteria between teeth.

    • Watch for signs like gum bleeding indicating plaque buildup.

    • Protect teeth from fracture during sports by wearing a mouthguard.

    Remember that perspectives on crooked teeth are cultural. Many societies do not view minor misalignment as unattractive. While orthodontics can align your teeth, embrace your smile in the meantime. Crooked does not mean flawed. With proper home care and regular dental visits, you can keep crooked teeth healthy and clean. Consult your dentist to determine if and when straighter teeth are recommended for your situation.


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