Symptoms of Shifting or Shifted Teeth
As we age, even if we once had perfectly straight teeth, it is not uncommon for our teeth to move or shift in our lifetimes. Sometimes this shift is accompanied by symptoms, and sometimes the only way to know is by looking at your teeth and noticing a misalignment. If you think your teeth are shifting, regardless of whether the shifting causes any of the following symptoms, we recommend seeing your dentist or an orthodontist, as some of these symptoms will get worse and could compromise your overall oral health by making your teeth more complicated to keep clean and healthy.
Pain and other consequences
If teeth move, the resulting misalignment can lead to headaches and toothaches, in addition to an uncomfortable feeling of pressure. When teeth are crowded, dental hygiene is also made much more difficult and dental diseases such as cavities and periodontitis can develop. In addition to the problems mentioned, aesthetics naturally also play a role. Most people feel extremely uncomfortable with misaligned teeth and avoid laughing or smiling, which can also put a strain on the psyche.
To understand why teeth move as we age, we must first look at the causes of this phenomenon. The first is bone loss. As you age, the bone that supports your teeth can shrink, leading to tooth shifting. The gums may also recede, further exposing the roots of the teeth.
The second cause is dental wear. Over time and use, your teeth can wear down and change shape, which can also cause shifting.
Thirdly, oral hygiene plays a role. Poor hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, which in turn can cause tooth movement.
Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth movement linked to aging. This condition can lead to the loss of tissue and bone supporting the teeth, causing them to move.
Finally, oral habits, such as teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can also be responsible. These habits put pressure on your teeth, which can cause them to shift.
Symptoms of shifting teeth
In addition to the visible change in your teeth, you may notice the following symptoms of tooth shifting:
* Change in the dental midline
* Headaches
* Bite problem
* Swelling and pain in the gums
* Visible effects
Another visible symptom of shifting teeth is that your molars hit your premolar teeth. Also, check whether your incisors are aligned with your lower teeth or not, as this is way to tell if any of your teeth are shifting.
If you believe your teeth are shifting, even if you don’t have any of the above symptoms, it is best to speak with your dentist, not only to rule out other causes of the symptoms, but also to prevent the shifting from getting worse. Your dentist will most likely refer you to an orthodontist for shifting teeth after ruling out any pathological reasons for the movement. An orthodontist will likely recommend some form of visible braces or retainers or invisible options such as Invisalign to help realign your shifting teeth.