More Than Just a Pretty Smile

Online, April 3, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Straight teeth tend to be associated with an attractive smile, but there is more to straight teeth than the cosmetic advantages. Studies are showing that there are health issues associated with misaligned teeth that go way beyond a smile.

What's the Problem?

Since crooked teeth are harder to clean and maintain, bad bacteria thrive in the mouth. This bacteria living in the gums around crowded teeth are more toxic and destructive than the normal bacteria found in mouths with straighter teeth. The bacteria can eventually enter into the blood stream and wreak havoc on your overall health.

How to Treat It

Orthodontic problems only get worse if they are left untreated, so treat the problem early. Treating children with misaligned teeth allows orthodontists to fix the problem before the face and jaw bones have fully developed, which can help eliminate the possibility of extracting permanent teeth later on in life.

The most common approach to fixing crooked teeth is braces, which use a constant, gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper position. Other options, such as Invisalign, commonly used for mild spacing or alignment issues, can be addressed by a general dentist or orthodontist.

An Oral History Lesson
A field of experts, ranging from dentists to evolutionary biologists, believe the human diet is the culprit for crooked teeth. Since the era of cavemen, the human diet has changed tremendously. In prehistoric times, diets consisted of raw food and meat, which constantly worked the mouth and jaw. Teeth were constantly grinding and chewing. But now, our diet is comparatively soft, consisting of fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and tenderized, better cooking animal-based proteins.
###

Dental & Vision Extras (www.dentalandvisionextras.com) is a joint venture of The Dental Care Plus Group and Total Vision Services.

The Dental Care Plus Group is the largest dental carrier in the Greater
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area with expanding operations throughout Kentucky and Ohio. For more information, visit www.dentalcareplus.com.

Total Vision Services, based in Cincinnati, offers both insured and noninsured vision benefits through a nationwide network of providers. For more information, visit www.totalvisioncare.com.