Why You Should Be Concerned About Overcrowded Teeth
Appearance issues with our teeth are more than simply a cosmetic concern, as they can actually lead to a number of potential dental problems. While everyone cares about the way their smile looks, the structure and placement of our teeth is directly related to our oral health. Things like gapping, overcrowding, chips, cracks, and crooked teeth, are all things that increase the chances of developing bite alignment issues, cavities, gum disease, and more.
Overcrowding specifically is quite common and often leads to tooth decay. When these kinds of problems are not treated, a patient’s dental health will be impacted and could lead to more serious problems down the road.
Can Overcrowding of Teeth Be Fixed?
When teeth are properly aligned, it allows for better oral hygiene. Not only does it support a proper bite alignment, but it also prevents food particles from getting stuck between teeth and causing tooth decay.
Overcrowded teeth have the tendency to accumulate bacteria because food will gather in between tightly packed teeth, leading to plaque build up. If left untreated, plaque can become tartar. Eventually, this excess bacteria will lead to gum disease which causes bleeding gums, receding gums, swollen gums, bad breath, and more. In serious cases of gum disease (periodontitis), patients may experience tooth loss, bone loss, pus between teeth, tooth gapping, and other serious dental problems.
When overcrowding leads to patients looking for urgent dental care in Chino Hills, it is important to address issues such as cavities and pain immediately. When children have overcrowded teeth, this may not be a significant problem if they have not yet developed their adult teeth and show no signs of tooth decay. However, overcrowded baby teeth can indicate there will be problems later on, once adult teeth begin to erupt.
When it appears a child’s adult teeth will remain overcrowded, and likely crooked, as they get older, orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Braces or Invisalign, and other orthodontic treatments, at the right age can help properly align permanent teeth, producing an attractive and functional smile.
General & Emergency Dental Care Near Chino Hills
If you are looking for a trusted pediatric dentist in Chino Hills, California who can help fix your child’s overcrowded teeth, or assess the health of their developing smile, contact Kids Dental Specialists today to schedule an appointment. Our team is always here to ensure your children maintain beautiful, healthy smiles throughout their lives.
