Our teeth are constantly shifting and moving within our jaws as we speak, eat, and drink. The teeth’ roots move up and down within the jawbone as the teeth push against it. The mandible – the part of the jaw below the molars – can rotate around its long axis.

This motion allows each tooth to touch all the other teeth at least once during the chewing process. If there is any problem with this normal chewing process, especially if one or more teeth are not in their correct place, tooth misplacement will result.

This is often because of lost bone around the root of a tooth and can be caused by many different things, from childhood accidents to serious health conditions. In this blog, our Orthodontist in Perth Amboy will explain the reasons that affect why your teeth are shifting and the steps in preventing teeth shifting.

What Causes Teeth to Shift?

If you are experiencing tooth movement, there is a good chance that it is due to one of several reasons. Tooth movement can be caused by several different factors, including dental decay, gum disease, age, genetics, and even stress. We’ll discuss the factors in detail as we go, so read on.

Signs Your Teeth are Shifting

If you’ve been noticing that your teeth are shifting in their sockets, there may be a good explanation. Teeth are constantly moving and changing, as we age and during various dental procedures. But some shifts can signal something more serious is going on.

There are five main types of tooth movement:

Inward tooth displacement (also called prognathism), when one or more teeth move farther into the upper or lower jawbone than usual.
Outward tooth displacement (called fluorosis), when white patches form on the teeth due to the build-up of fluoride from water and other sources.
Abnormal spacing of teeth caused by a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) — a condition that causes pain and restricted range of motion in the jaw joint.
Rotary Botswana syndrome (RBS), which is caused by wear and tear on the roots of teeth directly below the gum line.
Positional orthodontic drift, which is a gradual shift of teeth due to oral hygiene practices such as smoking, drinking coffee, eating spicy foods, or using hard chewing utensils.

Possibility of a Periodontal Disease and/or Tooth Decay

Periodontal disease is a condition that can affect the teeth and gums. It’s caused by infection and can lead to tooth loss. There are many things you can do to prevent periodontal disease, including keeping your teeth clean and healthy. If you do develop periodontal disease, there are treatments available.

Gum disease happens when plaque – again, a type of bacteria – accumulates on the gums and creates inflammation. This inflammation then causes the gums to shrink back away from the teeth, which in turn makes them more susceptible to decay and tooth movement.

To prevent gum disease from causing tooth movement, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and gargle them with an antibacterial mouthwash. If you see bleeding from your gums, the disease may have advanced, and you will need the help of a professional.

In addition, the most common cause of tooth movement is dental decay. This occurs when plaque – a type of bacteria – accumulates on the teeth and forms acidity. This acid then destroys the enamel layer of your teeth, which in turn leads to tooth movement.

To protect your teeth from decay and tooth movement, make sure to get regular check-ups and use fluoride toothpaste. If you experience any signs or symptoms of dental decay (including pain when chewing or sensitivity to hot foods), see your orthodontist immediately for orthodontic treatment in Perth Amboy.

Excessive Teeth Grinding or Bruxism

Grinding or bruxism is a problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including tooth wear and grinding, stress, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Tooth wear and grinding are mostly caused by:

-Tightening of the jaw muscles from overuse or clenching

-A high level of stress or tension in the jaw or neck

-A TMJ disorder, which can cause pain when opening the mouth wide or when eating.

If you’re experiencing tooth grinding or bruxism, there are a few things you can do to ease the symptoms:

– Take breaks every 30 minutes to an hour to stretch your jaw and neck muscles. This will help relieve tension and reduce the risk of injury.

– Apply ice packs to your face and neck for 15 minutes at a time for five days per week which will help reduce inflammation and pain.

– Cut down or avoid caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, and acidic foods before bedtime to reduce stress levels.

Forgetting to Wear Retainers

If you’re noticing that your teeth are moving around more than they used to, it might be time to get your retainers adjusted. Retainers keep your teeth in their proper place during chewing and speaking, which can prevent them from shifting. But as with all things dental, it’s important to get a check-up to ensure everything is still functioning properly.

Aging

As we age, our teeth may shift slightly from their original positions. This is due to the natural erosion of our teeth and the changes in our jawbone as we age. The shifting of teeth can cause minor discomfort, but it does not typically require any treatment. If you are concerned about your teeth shifting, speak with your dentist about possible treatments or preventive measures.

How to Prevent Teeth from Shifting

Teeth may shift when there is a change in tooth position, when dental treatment reduces the amount of bone that supports the teeth, or because of an infection. Many factors can lead to teeth shifting including the things mentioned above. Here are some tips on how to prevent teeth from shifting:

Tooth alignment: Make sure you have regular dental check-ups and get your teeth aligned if they are out of alignment. This will help to keep them in their correct positions and reduce the chances that they will shift.

Teeth cleaning: Have your teeth cleaned regularly by a dentist or hygienist. This will help remove plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Dentures: If you are missing one or more teeth, you may need dentures. Dentures should be custom fitted to your mouth so that they fit snugly and do not move around. Be sure to ask your dentist or hygienist about alternatives such as artificial dentures (ADs). These are often easier to wear and look more natural than traditional dentures.

Tooth restoration: If you have lost all your teeth due to tooth loss or advanced decay, you may need tooth restoration surgery. This involves replacing missing teeth with artificial ones made from porcelain or metal.

Experienced Any Signs of Teeth Shifting? Contact Amboy Orthodontics Today!

If you are experiencing any sign of teeth shifting, contact Amboy Orthodontics and schedule a consultation today at 732-612-0433. Our experienced orthodontists can help determine the cause and recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.