Crooked teeth make some people self-conscious while others embrace their imperfect teeth. Problems arise, however, when crooked teeth cause health problems. A bad bite doesn’t only affect how your teeth look, how your teeth work, and the quality of your oral health, a misaligned jaw and teeth can contribute to bigger health issues.
The Consequences of a Bad Bite and Crooked Teeth
Do you grind or clench your teeth, especially while sleeping? Is your jaw often sore? Does your jaw pop or click when you open your mouth? These symptoms all point to a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Any problem with the TMJ is usually caused by a malocclusion or bad bite, and that problem announces itself through crooked teeth.
Misalignment of the teeth stresses the muscles, joints, and tendons of the jaw and the head and neck and can cause two major health problems: tinnitus and migraines.
Ringing in the Ears
Pain and ringing in the ears are known as tinnitus. Often, people visit their general practitioner to get help for this frustrating problem, suspecting an ear ache or worrying the chronic issue could indicate a much more serious problem. Quite regularly, though, the cause of tinnitus is dental-related.
The tinnitus caused by a jaw imbalance can also have you experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and jaw pain. In most cases, the ringing and ear pain will only intensify, not subside. As with all dental complications, the problem must be addressed head on – any dental-related issue will not go away or resolve on its own.
Migraines
If you get cluster headaches or are a migraine sufferer, you know how debilitating this problem is. You can miss work, social activities, and be constantly plagued by heaviness and pain. It may feel like no amount of medication, meditation, or rest makes the headaches subside. You may have exhausted plenty of avenues in your search for a cure, but have you thought about dental intervention?
If you have tight jaw muscles, clench or grind your teeth, your jaw will tighten and the interconnected anatomy of the face and head allows pain to travel to the skull. The result? Migraines and severe headaches.
Fixing Crooked Teeth
If your crooked teeth and bad bite are causing TMJ disorder, you can undergo TMJ therapy which could include the customization of a night guard. Unconsciously grinding your teeth while sleeping contributes to enamel erosion, gum recession, and you’ll find yourself consistently waking with those headaches and a sore mouth.
A night guard can help minimize the side effects of a TMJ disorder, while an NTI appliance can train your muscles to relax over time. Of course, orthodontics are the best option for aligning your bite, eliminating crooked teeth, and getting relief from pain and discomfort.
Straighten Your Teeth and Release Your Pain
Your crooked teeth indicate that your bite is out of alignment. And a bad bite can make you suffer with painful health problems. This discomfort doesn’t have to be permanent. Find out whether a bad bite is causing your chronic pain. Visit Dr. Mitul Patel and his team at Family & Cosmetic Dental Care in Johns Creek for TMJ therapy, orthodontics, and other interventions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
