Orthodontics improves the aesthetic appeal of your smile by straightening your teeth. You may be surprised that straight teeth can improve your overall health. Our orthodontist in Melbourne, FL, would like you to know the many benefits of orthodontic care.

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that focuses on the proper alignment of teeth and jaws. Braces are the most well-known type of orthodontics, but straightening teeth may also involve using retainers and other orthodontics.

Orthodontics can improve your overall physical health

Crooked teeth, also known as malocclusions, can affect your overall health. Orthodontics can address these malocclusions to reduce your risk of health issues.

Better oral hygiene

Oral hygiene involves brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. The goal is to remove the plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay.

Straight teeth are easier to care for. Misaligned teeth create spaces that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss, leaving food and bacteria caught in teeth and gums.

Reduced risk and severity of gum disease

Uneven teeth can irritate your gum line, increasing your risk of gum disease. This starts when plaque and tartar build-up on your gums. Saliva can combine with food particles to create plaque, a transparent film that sticks to your teeth. If left in place, plaque can harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove.

Plaque and tartar can harden beneath the gum line. Both contain large amounts of bacteria that can cause gum disease.

Straight teeth are easier to clean, which means there is less plaque and tartar to cause gum disease.

Reduced risk and severity of gum disease lead to decreased cardiovascular risk

Research suggests that people with gum disease have three times the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

Severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, increases inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can affect many body areas, including the heart and the blood vessels that support it. Chronic inflammation in your arteries, which deliver blood to the heart, can lead to the accumulation of fatty plaque that can narrow the blood vessels and restrict blood flow to the heart.

Inflammation occurs when the body sends fluids and cells, known as inflammatory cells, to the affected area. Inflammatory cells can release chemicals that further injure heart muscles and blood vessels.

Gum disease associated with malocclusions can also cause diseases such as:

• Diabetes
• Complications of pregnancy and births
• Pneumonia

Improved chewing function for better digestion and overall health

Every cell and tissue in the human body relies on the nutrients in food – without nutritious food, the body cannot grow, repair damage, or fight infections. To get these nutrients from the food you eat, you need to be able to chew correctly. Orthodontics can help you chew meat, fruits, vegetables, bread, and other nutritious foods.

To chew correctly, your upper and lower jaw teeth must meet precisely when you bite. Orthodontists refer to this as “bite.” When your bite is uneven, your teeth cannot grind your food well, making it hard for your digestive tract to absorb the nutrients from food.

Clearer speech

Being able to speak is essential for clear communication and social interaction. Misaligned teeth or jaw problems can prevent you from speaking clearly.

Less pain

Pain can decrease your quality of life, and having crooked teeth can cause considerable discomfort. Biting down with malocclusions can cause pressure on your other teeth, and this pressure can fracture or even break your teeth.

For more information about the connection between orthodontics and overall health, consult with Melbourne Orthodontics. Our team is proud to serve as your orthodontist in Melbourne, FL, and we’re glad to help you improve your overall health through teeth straightening.