Having a gleaming, straight, white smile can certainly make a person more confident. In fact, 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes them more appealing to the opposite sex. No wonder why about one in three people (32%) are concerned by the look of their teeth. Cosmetic dentists’ teeth straightening treatments not only help you look great, but feel great, too, as they have many long-standing health benefits. Here are five long-term health benefits of having straight teeth.
1. Easier to clean
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss compared to crooked, misaligned, and overlapping teeth. If you cannot clean your teeth properly, then you risk the accumulation of tartar and plaque build up, which can lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay.
2. Lower risk of disease
Your mouth is the gateway to your body, so oral bacteria that enters your mouth can eventually infect different parts of your health. For example, this bacteria can affect the inner linings of your blood vessels and brain, and could lead to periodontal disease. This condition is a serious gum disease that can potentially destroy the jawbone, and can be found in 42.7% of adults over the age of 30.
3. Less headaches
Poor alignment can lead to teeth grinding and jaw clenching while a person is asleep. Both of these conditions can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and sensitivity, which can be incredibly uncomfortable if not properly maintained.
4. Less chipping and tooth loss
If your teeth jut out past your lip, they can be at risk for chipping and breaking every day. This is especially true if you are an athlete in contact sports.
5. Better digestion
Chewing properly will help you digest your food better, as poorly aligned teeth can compromise chewing. When you chew, the enzymes in saliva help to break down the food, making it easier for the intestines to reduce the amount of bacteria and break down nutrients in your stomach. But when chewing gets in the way, digesting food can become a problem.
Teeth straightening will help you to not only feel confident in your smile, but benefit from these long-term health advantages. Cosmetic dentistry can work wonders, so call up Apple White Dental today to get that white smile you’ve always wanted!