Can Crowded Teeth Fall Out?

Crooked and crowded teeth are extremely common, especially in young children who have not yet received orthodontic treatment. Just because teeth are crooked or crowded does not mean that they need to be straightened, but it can be beneficial to the overall health of your mouth to have them properly aligned.

Can crowded teeth fall out?

Any tooth can fall out, but there are factors that can make teeth more susceptible to issues, and crowding is one such factor. Teeth that are crowded and overlapping are much more difficult to clean properly than teeth that are straight. Good oral hygiene is key to a healthy mouth, but if you are not able to brush and floss around each tooth, you are at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease.

Daily brushing and flossing remove plaque accumulation to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. When plaque is allowed to build up, it very quickly calcifies into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing and flossing but requires a professional cleaning by your dental hygienist.

When your teeth are crowded, it can be very difficult to floss between teeth to remove the plaque. Once tartar forms, it can cause the gum tissue to become inflamed, and it may bleed during brushing.

Periodontal disease develops in stages, the first being gingivitis, which is indicated by those swollen, bleeding gums. If it is left untreated, gingivitis can very quickly progress to periodontitis, at which point the gums begin to recede from the surface of the tooth, exposing sensitive tooth roots. When the gum tissue begins to recede, it also leaves the underlying bone vulnerable to bacteria and infection.

This is where things can get a little challenging because once the bone structure is compromised, it begins to deteriorate; therefore, teeth are at a much higher risk of falling out. Bone loss leads to tooth loss, which in turn leads to further bone loss, creating a chain reaction of lost teeth.

Should crowded teeth be straightened?

Your dentist can help you determine if your particular case needs to be addressed with orthodontic care. It is much easier to care for and treat teeth that are properly aligned, but just because your teeth are crowded or crooked does not mean that they absolutely have to be straightened. Patients with severe crowding will benefit from straightening their teeth, but for those who have some minor crowding, you may be able to keep your charming smile the way it is.

If you do choose to have orthodontic treatment, it is important to understand that your teeth want to drift back to their original position, so you will need to wear retainers (usually when you sleep) to keep your smile straight. Your dentist will help you determine if you should undergo orthodontic treatment to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Related Article: What does Crowding Teeth mean?