Teeth shifting, as the term suggests, is the movement of teeth, which signifies gradual change. Your teeth may not always appear the way they once did; but is it meant to be this way? The answer to this depends on what causes teeth shifting in the first place. Besides natural aging factors, teeth can also lose their shape or alignment due to several reasons. For many, the shift can be a cause of health and/or cosmetic concern. It can disrupt the jaw position causing pain, which can proceed to facial or neck pain if left untreated.

Why Does Teeth Shifting Happen?
Your mouth is no different than the rest of your body; it is also subject to constant change as you age. Your lower jaw is in a constant state of growth throughout your life. Although it is a slow development usually just making a very small magnitude of change over time, it can cause your lower front teeth move into the upper front teeth. This can result in your teeth becoming crowded or crooked. The good news is that this can be easily managed with early dental intervention. Dentists treat you by first examining your teeth to identify what is causing the shift. Depending on your diagnosis, you may be able to reverse or prevent further teeth mobility altogether. Here are some common factors that can cause your teeth to shift:

Cavities
Cavities are the main culprit when it comes to the poor health of your teeth. When it reaches a severe stage (engulfing your tooth completely from within), it causes your teeth to decay. This can progress to an infection affecting the gums, which can ultimately eat away at the bone. As a result, tooth loss occurs and disrupts the teeth alignment. This can also cause other teeth to loosen up.

Periodontal Disease
Your tooth is held into place by a supporting ligament called the periodontal ligament, which is a tissue that covers the cementum of the tooth by completely surrounding it. It is responsible for connecting the tooth to the jawbone and securing it. The soft tissue is naturally prone to mobility but factors like poor oral hygiene, gum disease, diet and genetics can catalyze its movement, which can cause a premature shift of teeth.

Tongue Thrust
Tongue thrust is a condition that can cause you to develop an overbite. The habitual thrusting of the tongue against the upper front and lower front teeth can result in your teeth being pushed out and creating spaces behind. When this habit exists for a prolonged time, your teeth’s alignment is likely to be affected.

Not Wearing Retainers
One of the most common reasons for developing spaces or losing the teeth’s original positioning is the lack of adherence to wearing retainers. This is true of those who have undergone orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign. When they stop wearing retainers, they eventually end up with spaces and misalignment due to the teeth’s natural tendency of moving around.

Can Teeth Shifting be Prevented?
When teeth shifting ensues from complications aforementioned, it is time you seek dental help. However, there are ways to prevent natural shifting by simply being proactive:

- Practice good oral hygiene by routinely flossing and cleaning your teeth. Use proper caution in brushing your teeth, making sure you don’t aggravate the gums.
- Limit the intake of foods that cause adverse effects such as acidic foods, sweets and fizzy drinks.
- Always use facial protection while playing sports.
- Put an end to any habits that cause pressure to be exerted on your teeth.
- Go for routine dental check-ups.

Treatment Options for Teeth Shifting
Treatment depends on the severity of the underlying cause, in which case the earlier you visit your dentist the better the chances of recovery. With dental technology rapidly evolving, there are better solutions to many dental problems today. Invisible retainers and tooth aligners are common examples of treatment options for reversing teeth shifting and improving your alignment. Retainers are used to control the natural shifting of teeth, by applying a force on the teeth to hold them into place. If you have concerns regarding any changes in your teeth, you can book a consultation at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for guidance and timely solutions.

Although, teeth shifting is a minor problem it can be the onset of a bigger problem like gum disease or premature tooth loss. If you suspect your teeth are changing and you wish to correct it in time, it is better to visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa sooner than later. There may not be a solution to every problem, but a timely diagnosis will most likely prevent further deterioration. Plus, new technology has opened up many painless avenues for patients to seek treatments. Whether you’re concerned with periodontic care or cosmetic care, the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa has you covered. Contact us today to book an appointment!