Can Crowded Teeth Get Worse?
Malocclusion, the scientific term for dental crowding or improperly aligned teeth, is common in children as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. There are three types of dental crowding: mild, moderate, and severe. An example of mild crowding is when a canine tooth is rotated, not aligning with the surrounding teeth. Moderate crowding is when two or three teeth begin to overlap each other. Severe crowding is when the majority of someone’s teeth are rotated or crooked, causing a disorganized smile.
Common Signs of Dental Crowding
If you believe you may have crowded teeth, ask yourself the following:
- Do you feel discomfort when biting down?
- Do you notice any teeth that are positioned at an unusual angle in your mouth?
- Do you notice any teeth overlapping each other?
- Do you have a crossbite (upper row of teeth sit inside the lower row when biting down)?
- Do you have excessive overbite (also known as “buck teeth,” where the top teeth protrude outwards, creating a larger-than-normal gap between the bottom row of teeth)?
- Are you experiencing any jaw pain?
- Do you have trouble biting or chewing?
- Do you feel pain or find it difficult to brush or floss?
- Do your gums bleed when you floss?
Problems Resulting from Dental Crowding
It is very important to treat crowded teeth to prevent further oral health issues. When teeth are crowded, it can be very hard to keep them clean. This can cause bacteria and plaque buildup, which can lead to further oral health issues. Some common problems resulting from dental crowding include, but are not limited to: cavities, dental disease, tooth or jaw aches, troubling chewing or biting, and Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
Cavities: Crowded teeth can lead to a higher risk of cavities. Crowded teeth can create tight spaces that make it much harder to brush and floss. It then becomes difficult to remove any form of bacteria or plaque. When plaque builds up, it leads to cavities.
Dental Disease: Due to tight spaces caused by crowded teeth, poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease (periodontal disease). If gum disease is not treated, it can lead to receding gums, pain when chewing, tooth loss, and further systemic health risks.
Tooth or Jaw Aches: When your teeth do not fit together properly, it can cause stress on your teeth, causing tooth aches as well as stress on jaw joints, leading to chronic jaw pain or difficulty chewing.
TMD: There are three main classes of TMD: the disorder of the joints, the disorder of the muscles, and headaches associated with TMD. TMD can cause chronic pain, headaches, restricted jaw movement, and clicking sounds.
In most cases, crowded teeth will always get worse over time if left untreated. It is very important to see a dentist if you have or are experiencing worsening crowded teeth, so as to avoid further issues and complications. Often, your orthodontist will recommend extraction or expansion (pulling teeth or using braces to move the teeth and create space).
Related Article: Can Crowded Teeth Fall Out?