One of the main reasons why children should start brushing their teeth and seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears is to create good oral hygiene habits. But, it is also an effective way of monitoring tooth development and picking up on any issues early.
It is generally easier to correct issues early rather than trying to deal with them in adulthood. However, it should be noted that it is possible to correct a variety of issues when you’re an adult, even misaligned teeth. You simply need to see a specialist, such as this Little Bay Invisalign dentist.
Understanding The Underbite
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An underbite is a common condition where the bottom teeth protrude further out than the top ones. The cause is often found to be a misalignment of the jaw although this is generally something you’re born with.
In mild cases, the condition won’t be visible with your mouth closed. In severe cases, it is very noticeable to others. However, in either case, if you are aware of the issue you are likely to be self-conscious. This will affect your confidence and your ability to interact socially with others.
It’s worth noting that an underbite isn’t just a cosmetic problem. If you suffer from one you may find it is difficult to formulate some words and it can even be difficult to chew food properly. The damage to your confidence can also affect your mental health, potentially giving you problems for life.
In fact, the underbite can give you these issues:
Bad Breath
Because your teeth are not correctly aligned there are more pockets where bacteria can build up. Bacteria buildup is likely to cause decay. But, it will also create bad breath. Initially, this may only be obvious to you but it is likely to get worse and be more noticeable to others.
Sleep Problems
The misalignment of your mouth will also mean that you are likely to stop breathing briefly at night. A condition generally referred to as sleep apnea. While this isn’t generally life-threatening, it will cause you to wake up suddenly overnight and is likely to lower the quality of your sleep.
Snoring
The position of your teeth will also create a funnel that allows the wind to escape as you breathe in and out. In short, you are much more likely to snore. This could be an issue for you and others in the house.
TMD
TMD is short for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. In short, you will suffer from issues and pain where your lower jaw hinges with the rest of your skull. You’ll find the jaw makes popping noises and can even lock in position. It can be extremely painful.
Dealing With Underbite
In most cases, an underbite can be successfully cured by your dentist. They will commonly use braces to eliminate the issue, although in some cases a facemask may be employed to help realign the jaw.
It is easier to do this when you’re young as children’s faces are still developing. But, it is possible to cure underbite as an adult. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary. But, resolving the underbite will make you healthier and more confident.
