Malocclusion and Periodontal Diseases

Malocclusion affects 74% of American adults. If you have malocclusion, it may affect your periodontal health, because it is difficult to remove plaque when teeth are not aligned. Periodontal disease can begin as gum redness or bleeding while brushing your teeth or using dental floss, and you may notice halitosis, or bad breath.  If not treated, gum inflammation can become worse, leading to soft tissue damage, receding gums, the formation of pockets between teeth and gums, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.

 

The Progression of Periodonal Disease

When teeth are crowded, plaque with harmful bacteria can attach to the tooth surface down to the bottom of the pocket.  Plaque can be difficult to remove from crowded areas because it is difficult to brush and floss here.  Bacteria can cause gum tissue surrounding the tooth to degrade, and if not treated, result in bone loss.

 

Wear and Trauma

Poorly aligned teeth can also create unnatural stress and pressure on teeth and jaws.  Teeth that are subject to excessive pressure can develop chipping and notches at the gum line called abfractions. Premature wear can lead to poor root support, loose teeth and eventually, tooth loss.

 

 

Why are Crooked Teeth a Problem?

Teeth that are not aligned properly in your mouth create what dentists call malocclusion.  Left untreated, malocclusion can lead to periodontal disease and create abnormal amounts of stress on teeth and jaws, which leads to premature wear.

 

 

What Type Of Malocclusion Do You Have?

Here are some potential issues.

 

CROWDING
• Buildup of plaque and tartar
• Harbors harmful periodontal bacteria
• Risk of periodontal disease, tooth, and bone loss

 

SPACING
• Food lodges between teeth
• Risk of sore, tender gums
• Risk of periodontal disease

 

DEEP BITE
• Over-erupted lower front teeth that can damage the palate
• Premature wear and chipping of the lower front teeth

 

CROSSBITE
• Premature tooth wear and risk of chipped teeth
• Abfraction — small notch in tooth at the gumline
• Periodontal disease, tooth and bone loss

 

EXCESSIVE OVERJET
• Chipped or fractured front teeth
• Trauma to front teeth

 

EDGE -TO-EDGE BITE
• Risk of teeth chipping and breaking
• Jaw joint pain
• Shortened or worn down front teeth

 

OPEN BITE
• Abfraction — small notch in tooth at gumline
• Gum recession, loose teeth and bone loss
• Excessive, premature wear on back teeth

 

If left untreated, malocclusion can lead to periodontal disease and premature wear of teeth that can worsen over time and even result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease may also increase the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (hardening of the arteries).

 

(CROSSBITE)

 

(CROWDING)

 

(OPENBITE)

 

(DEEPBITE)

 

Straight Teeth are Healthier Teeth

 

Straight, properly aligned teeth can help you avoid the negative effects of periodontal disease.

 

HEALTHIER GUMS
Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss than crowded or crooked teeth.  Properly positioned teeth can help gums “fit” more tightly around them, which may lead to better periodontal health.

 

IMPROVED HYGIENE
With good oral hygiene, the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay, and periodontal disease can be reduced.

 

DECREASED RISK OF ABNORMAL WEAR AND TRAUMA
Properly aligned teeth also reduce the risk of expensive procedures required to repair the effects of abnormal force, such as tooth chipping, breaking or wear, and can be less stressful on the supporting jaw bone and joints.

 

MALOCCLUSION: A RISK TO OVERALL HEALTH
Severe periodontal infection, if untreated, may increase the risk for atherosclerosis-induced conditions such as coronary heart disease and stroke, complications of diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and respiratory diseases.

 

Systemic Problems

 

1. Bacteria forms a film underneath the gums, particularly where teeth are misaligned.  Gum pockets form, further trapping bacteria and debris.

 

2. Bacteria inflames the gum tissues and kills gum tissue cells and can invade connective tissue and blood vessels.

 

3. Your immune system creates white blood cells and proteins to fight the inflammation.

 

4. The combination of bacteria, toxins, white blood cells, and acute phase proteins damages the cells that line your coronary arteries, resulting in plaque and leading to hardening of  the arteries.