Virtual Smile Assessment

The Benefits of Straight Teeth

While every parent hopes to see their children always flash bright and happy smiles, parents should know that there are real and positive health benefits associated with healthy and straight teeth.

Healthy teeth means a healthy mouth, which leads to a healthier body and mind.

At Grace and Bowman Orthodontics, we know that straighter teeth can lead to a healthier mouth.  Here is some helpful information about dental hygiene and straight teeth.

Straight teeth means healthier gums. If teeth are crowded or spaced too tight, they can start to negatively impact the health of gums. Red and sore gums are actually a symptom of periodontal disease – better known as gum disease. Treatment of gum disease is important early on because if left untreated, it can lead to other, more serious ailments.

Unhealthy gums can also lead to oral infections. These types of infections can quickly become very serious. Reducing the risk of gum disease will reduce these risk factors and will not only make for a healthier mouth but an overall healthier body.

When talking to an orthodontist for your children, consider this as one of the many far-reaching benefits – beyond the pretty smile – that metal or clear braces can provide.

Cleaning crooked teeth is also less effective than cleaning straight teeth. Misaligned teeth are not as easy to brush, and therefore, might be missing the benefits of daily brushing. Brushing removes bacteria, and if bacteria is allowed to build up in your mouth, you not only run the risk of bad breath and teeth stains but also gum disease and mouth sores. Straightening teeth with braces will make your mouth health easier to maintain, which in turn will positively impact your overall health.

Beyond the physical health provided by straight teeth, kids and teenagers especially stand to benefit psychologically from straight teeth. Teeth alignment can affect eating and speech, which in turn can affect how your child carries himself or herself. Correcting teeth alignment and jaw alignment through braces can also fix accelerated wear of teeth enamel, reducing the effects of teeth staining.

If your child is noticeably hiding his or her smile, he or she may be suffering from low self-esteem due to misaligned teeth. Studies show that straight teeth correlate with a person’s confidence as well as his or her perceived success and likability. Straighter teeth will have benefits far beyond a happier smile.

At Grace and Bowman Orthodontics in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., we understand that early treatment is most beneficial to receiving optimum care for your child’s teeth. Contact Grace and Bowman today to make an appointment.