Shifting Teeth with Age
It is no secret that our bodies experience a number of changes as we age and teeth are no exception. Shifting teeth is normal and can be more obvious than in our younger years. Over time, the jaw bone tends to grow forward and narrow, leading to changes in our bite and teeth alignment.
Some of the most common causes of teeth shifting that can intensify with age include:
Gum disease: Gum disease is a common problem resulting from poor oral hygiene or genetics. It can be more difficult to brush and floss properly as we get older so regular professional cleanings with your dentist are vital to your oral and overall health. Gum disease can lead to gum recession and bone loss.
Gum recession and bone loss: Gum recession is when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth begins to pull away from the tooth structure, leading to sensitivity and bone loss. With age, some patients may begin to experience a loss of bone density, including in the jaw. Typically, the lower teeth begin to shift before the upper teeth and can cause issues when you bite and chew.
Bruxism: Grinding and clenching your teeth, also called bruxism, can occur throughout the day or in your sleep. When your teeth grind together or you clench your jaw, they experience a great amount of pressure and overtime, can begin to shift out of place. Bruxism can also lead to jaw pain and headaches.
Treatment
Any changes to your bite or tooth alignment should be addressed by your dentist. Regular dental visits will help you and your dentist catch changes before they become a major issue. Your dentist can recommend treatment If you experience significant shifting in your teeth and may refer you to an orthodontist for Invisalign. An orthodontist can correct any shifting that has already occurred and then provide a retainer to keep your teeth in alignment.
Prevention
Patients with bone density problems should be seen by their regular doctor to address that issue but for those who experience jaw bone loss due to gum disease, a good oral care routine, complete with regular visits to your dentist at least twice a year can help prevent further loss. Gum disease develops when plaque is not regularly removed from the gumline and is left to calcify into tartar. Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent dental problems!
Additionally, your dentist can have a retainer made for you to sleep in to keep your teeth aligned during the night and restore any minor shifts that may happen throughout the day. Retainers are not only for patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment.
Like a retainer, a night guard can be slept in and has the added benefit of preventing damage from bruxism. A night guard provides a buffer between the upper and lower teeth so that when you clench or grind in your sleep, the night guard takes the brunt of the pressure and wear.