In previous blogs about orthodontic dentistry, we’ve looked at the more common causes of dental misalignment. But, are there any less common or obvious conditions, habits or situations that require orthodontic dentistry intervention? If you’ve had difficulty chewing or keeping your teeth properly clean in the past, you may be putting up with a minor misalignment without even realizing it.
If that’s the case, having braces or a retainer might be the fix you had no idea you needed! Find out more about unusual or lesser-known causes of misalignment below.
Nail Biting
It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that nail-biting is bad for your teeth — not to mention your nails. But few people realize that nail-biting from an early age can actually lead to misalignment.
When you bite your nails, you’re having to essentially grind your teeth together to bite something that is small and thin. Over time, this kind of chewing will actually cause your teeth, especially if they’re still growing, to grow out of alignment.
Don’t forget that you’re not just messing with the straightness of your teeth. Nail biting can also cause bad breath, breaking or chipping of your teeth, damaging the roots and making yourself sick from the bacteria your hands accumulate every day.
Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group On The Impact Of Nail Biting
Chewing Pens and Pencils
Just like chewing your nails, chewing on pens and pencils runs the risk of gradually pushing your teeth out of alignment. Also much like nail-biting, chewing on things like pens and pencils comes with a litany of other problems. Not only is it extremely unhygienic, you’re also risking breaking, chipping or otherwise damaging your teeth, along with causing discoloration. You’ll also end up ruining your stationary.
Abnormal Posture
You wouldn’t assume your posture could lead to a need for orthodontic dentistry, but it might! Your posture and the position of your head in relation to your spine, shoulders, and neck can dictate where your jaw rests.
Someone who has slouched with their head resting too far forward from a young age is more likely to show an underdeveloped lower jaw, leading to an overbite and misalignment of teeth.
Beyond orthodontic dentistry, it can also cause further issues if it’s left untreated. Poor posture can cause a lot of problems with your back later in life, such as chronic pain and the risk of slipped discs. If you have severe problems with your posture, think about seeking specialized help in correcting it.
Contact Us About Orthodontics
Does this sound strangely familiar? Have you been struggling with any of these issues with no idea you needed orthodontic dentistry? Luckily, you can get in touch with Parkcrest Dental Group and find an orthodontist in Springfield, MO today.
At Parkcrest Dental, you’ll also find professional services in general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, not to mention pediatric dentistry. Check back in on our blog for more informative posts soon.
