How to Keep Overcrowded Teeth Healthy
Everyone knows that the easiest solution to overcrowded teeth is getting braces. However, for many people, that isn't an option. Whatever your reason is for not wanting braces, the good news is you don't need to have your teeth alignment corrected to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here are some ways you can improve your oral health and maintain the well-being of your teeth even if they're smashed up against each other.
Flossing
One of the number one things you should do is floss. Of course, this isn't always easy for people who have overcrowded teeth. If you struggle to get standard floss between your teeth or the floss shreds while you're trying to floss, consider switching to tape floss. Tape floss is designed to be shaped like tape: it's extremely thin. When standard floss won't work, the slick and thin shape of tape floss will often slide in where standard floss can't.
Water Flossing
There are some instances where even tape floss won't work well between crowded teeth. There can simply be a lack of space between your teeth that makes it impossible. Not to worry; this is where water flossing comes in handy. Water flossing uses a pressurized stream of water—or mouthwash, if you prefer—that shoots between your teeth at high speed. Water can fit through nearly any tiny crack, so it's likely to work on your overcrowded teeth.
Water flossers have been found to be very effective at improving gum health as well as getting rid of plaque between your teeth. This can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and keep the edges of your overcrowded teeth from decaying.
Dentist Visits
Whether or not you have a hard time flossing, you should plan on seeing your dentist a bit more regularly than people with a standard tooth alignment. First of all, if you have any tartar built up between your teeth, it will make it harder to keep your teeth clean. Tartar is the hardened form of plaque and can stick to your teeth and occupy space, making it even harder to get floss between your teeth. Your dentist can remove this tartar, preventing it from hurting your teeth and making it easier for you to floss at the same time.
Unfortunately, having teeth that are close together can increase your risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay, as the small space provides a way for bacteria, plaque, and tartar to develop without being easily cleared away by brushing. While flossing every day can help slow this process down, you should visit your dentist and ask them how often they would recommend that you personally come in for cleanings given your dental overcrowding.
Visiting a dentist regularly and keeping up with your flossing habit—whether you use standard floss, a water flosser, or both—can help to keep your overcrowded teeth healthy and your gums safe. Make a plan with a dentist like those at Milner Dentistry to get cleanings more often so that your crowded teeth don't become a liability.
Share