Shifting Teeth with Age
As we age, our bodies experience a number of changes and our smile is not exempt from its own changes. Shifting teeth is normal and as we age, can be more obvious than in our younger years. The jaw bone tends to grow forward and become more narrow with time and that can lead to changes in our bite and teeth alignment.
Shifting Teeth With Age
Your teeth experience tiny changes over a long life that add up. Some of the most common causes of teeth shifting that is exacerbated with age include:
Bruxism: Grinding and clenching your teeth, also called bruxism, is usually a subconscious action that can occur throughout the day or in your sleep. When your teeth grind together or you clench your jaw, they experience a great amount of pressure and overtime, can begin to shift out of place.
Bone Loss and Gum Recession
Some patients may begin to experience a loss of bone or bone density, including in the jaw. Over time, ligaments, gum tissue, and bone start to weaken, causing teeth to shift more easily. Typically, the lower teeth begin to shift before the upper teeth and can cause a problem when you bite and chew.
Treating Shifting Teeth
It is important to see your dentist as soon as you notice any changes to your smile or bite. Regular dental visits will help you and your dentist catch changes before they become a major issue. If you do have significant shifting in your teeth, your dentist may recommend a visit to an orthodontist to see about straightening your teeth. An orthodontist can recommend a treatment plan to correct any shifting that has already occurred and prevent further shifting as you age.
Preventing Shifting Teeth
There is not much to be done about bone growth but you can do your best to stick to a good oral care routine, complete with regular visits to your dentist at least twice a year. Gum disease develops when plaque is not regularly flossed and brushed from the gumline and is left to calcify into tartar. This in turn leads to inflammation of the gum tissue and eventually, gum recession and bone loss. Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent dental problems!
You can also request a retainer that can be worn while you sleep to keep your teeth aligned during the night and work out any minor shifts that may happen throughout the day. Like a retainer, a night guard can be slept in and has the added benefit of providing a buffer between the upper and lower teeth so that when you clench or grind in your sleep, the teeth will not be so susceptible to that stress and wear.
If you are concerned about your teeth shifting as you get older, speak with your dentist to see what preventative measures can be taken to keep your smile healthy and aligned!