Everyone knows that straight teeth are beautiful. But did you know that straight teeth are actually healthier? According to WebMD, straight teeth actually have several benefits—and only one of them is their appearance.

So what health benefits do straight teeth have? Here are four:

1. Improved Cleanliness and Oral Health

Straight teeth are much easier to keep clean. Since there are no overlaps or gaps, it is a lot easier to brush and floss. Straight teeth are also less likely to trap food particles and bacteria, which also improves the cleanliness of the mouth.

As you might expect, a cleaner mouth is one that is less prone to disease. Clean, straight teeth are less likely to collect bacteria. This means that those with straight teeth are less likely to suffer from gum and periodontal disease.

2. Reduced Headaches

Issues in the alignment of the teeth and jaw can contribute to chronic headaches. This is because many people with misaligned jaws suffer from temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which is essentially grinding of the teeth. Oftentimes, people are unaware that they grind their teeth because it is usually done overnight.

Fortunately, aligning the teeth properly helps to re-situate the teeth and jaw. Over time, this reduces the TMD and helps to alleviate chronic headaches and migraines.

3. Improved Jaw Health

Millions of Americans suffer from tooth gaps or tooth loss. Although it is not life threatening, it can pose issues with oral and jaw health. This is because once a tooth is gone (or there is a gap) the jawbone begins to soften and grow weak. Over many years, the jawbone withers down and becomes susceptible to disease, infection, and structural issues.

Straight teeth help to keep the jawbone aligned properly. It also reduces the risk of dental diseases, which means that the teeth stay in the jawbone where they belong.

4. Enhanced Digestion

Straight teeth help to improve digestion, because they help breakdown the food better. When you chew your food, saliva in the mouth uses special enzymes that break down the food particles. Once the food is broken down properly, it is easier to digest.

Without straight teeth, people tend to have a harder time chewing food properly. Although it may sound like a small issue, it can cause severe digestion issues over time. It also makes it harder for the body to digest and absorb nutrients.

As you can see, straight teeth are more than just beauty. They help to keep the jaw, mouth, and body healthy. If you suffer from crooked teeth, talk to your dentist about seeing an orthodontist (such as Cazes Family Dentistry LLC).

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