Not everyone in the world is happy with their smile--you could even be one of them. Luckily, many orthodontists are available to help straighten you or your children's teeth and leave you with a smile that will make you both happy and confident. However, there are some common things that you may find yourself or your children doing that will actually contribute to your teeth being crooked. Avoid some of the listed issues in order to make sure that your teeth are as straight as possible!

Infancy Habits

Believe it or not, some of the habits that you developed during infancy can contribute to a crooked smile. Although there is little you can do to prevent these issues from occurring, if you are a parent, there are a number of things you can do to prevent your child from developing crooked teeth due to these habits. For example, if your child is persistently chewing on foreign objects during their teething practice, remove these items from their reach, or replace them with items that are less conducive to the child's teeth growing in crooked. Pacifiers and thumbs should not be allowed in the child's mouth day in and day out. 

Resting Your Head On Your Hands

Although this may seem like an innocuous act, resting your head on your hands can cause your teeth to shift in your mouth. Even if the pressure is gentle, it can cause teeth to bend with the pressure applied to your hands. Good posture can usually correct this problem. By ensuring that your back is straight at your desk while you are working and studying, you will be less likely to rest your head upon your hands.

Sleeping On Your Stomach

Sleeping on your stomach may also contribute to your teeth taking on a crooked appearance. Your face is pressed up against your pillow and mattress during this time. Even though the pressure is slight, this can build up over a period of time and cause the teeth in your mouth to shift one way or another. The easiest way to correct this problem is to lie on your back as you drift off to sleep. Sleeping on your side is not the best way to go about preventing this issue, as you can shift back onto your stomach during the night.

For more information, get in touch with a local dental office like Crest Hill Family Dental.

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