Shifting Teeth with Age
Your body undergoes changes as you age. We expect many of these natural changes as we grow into adulthood, but some changes can go unnoticed. You might not be measuring your height anymore, but it is still important to pay attention to changes. One change that is overlooked is shifting teeth. Your teeth may also naturally shift as you age.
Why do Your Teeth Shift with Age
Even if you are exercising a consistent habit of regular daily brushing and flossing, your teeth will still shift as you age. There is no predetermined date or specific event at which all of your teeth might fall out. But your teeth do experience tiny changes over an extended life. Some of the most frequent causes of teeth shifting with age include:
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching- Grinding or clenching your teeth is a subconscious action that can happen during the day or in your sleep. As you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, your molars experience additional pressure. Those molars will begin to shift and push your other teeth out of position. Grinding and clenching also causes your teeth to chip, wear, and break. You might experience headaches, increased tooth sensitivity, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and increased discomfort.
- Bone Loss and Gum Recession- As you age, you may begin to experience a loss of bone or bone density, and your teeth are included. This bone loss causes your gums to recede, causing your teeth to appear longer. With natural aging your ligaments, gum tissue, and bone begin to weaken, also causing your teeth to shift. Your lower teeth begin to shift before your upper teeth and then contact some upper teeth unevenly while chewing. This contact wears away enamel and then also causes your top teeth to shift forward.
Preventing Your Teeth from Shifting
There are certain things you can do to prevent or delay your teeth from shifting. The best defense against any receding gum lines which results in weakening and shifting is a simple, good oral hygiene routine. Always brush your teeth twice a day. Another good thing to do for gum health is to floss regularly. Receding gum lines are a risk to your oral health, resulting in plaque accumulation between your teeth that results in decay, cavities, and bone loss. Do not let a bad oral hygiene routine at home affect your healthy smile.
You can also discuss with your dentist about restorative dentistry, like veneers or crowns, that might help prevent your teeth from shifting. If you have worn braces or had other orthodontic work done, then you should consider wearing a retainer, or another aligner as recommended to keep your teeth from shifting. You can also ask your dentist about getting a mouthguard to wear at night to stop yourself from damaging your teeth by grinding or clenching them during sleep.
Treating Shifting Teeth
If you have noticed your teeth beginning to shift, contact your dentist soon. During a regular dental checkup, your dental team will be able to catch these issues before they become a problem. Your dentist can then recommend an appropriate treatment plan (possibly Invisalign) to correct any shifting that has occurred and prevent any further shifting.