Does Orthodontic Treatment Improve Chewing and Swallowing?

When considering the term orthodontic treatment, most individuals consider only braces or cosmetic issues. However, family braces orthodontists also work to provide quality treatment to assist in better chewing and swallowing, along with overall teeth health. Read on to see just how orthodontic treatment is beneficial to the function of the mouth.

What Is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is a form of dentistry that keeps the mouth and body in good health. A perfect smile and straightened teeth are just part of what orthodontists provide. An aligned smile will also help to align the jaws and teeth. With proper alignment, dental injuries as well as decay are prevented. Your body then has the ability to chew properly. Because you will be chewing better, the food you eat is processed correctly which leads to better overall health.

Nutritional Benefits

Because you are able to chew food better due to orthodontal treatment, then your digestion is improved. Barely chewing food before swallowing can have a negative effect. The smaller pieces from chewing are better digested which means the intestines are able to absorb nutrients better. You have more energy which means an overall healthier lifestyle.

Avoiding Injury

Have you noticed that you are biting your cheek more often when you are swallowing or chewing, even speaking? Are your teeth colliding when you close your mouth or chew your food? This can send jarring sensations in the face and jaw. Teeth can become chipped or injured due to colliding. With orthodontic treatment, any issues such as these can be treated. This helps to safeguard your smile and benefit your long-term health.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Orthodontal treatments also help to prevent tooth decay. Plaque will develop in the mouth due to food that has accumulated and become trapped between jammed teeth. This food will cause plaque which then causes the enamel to eat away. This causes cavities which means even more problems for the mouth. When teeth are overcrowded, these issues can occur. With orthodontal treatment, overcrowding can be taken care of which leads to a healthier mouth, with no cavities, plague or other issues.

Are You Being Affected?

There are several issues that can alert you to the need to visit the orthodontist. If you have overcrowding of teeth, experience swallowing or chewing issues, or find that you are injuring your mouth during talking or chewing, then you can benefit from a consultation. During a consultation with an orthodontist, your mouth will be x-rayed and reviewed. The orthodontist will listen to your complaints and try to determine the best option for treatment.

It could be that overcrowding is an issue and teeth need to be removed or straightened to resolve the shape of the mouth. Sometimes adjustments can be challenging and call for multiple treatments. However, in the end, you will have a beautiful smile but also a functioning mouth where you do not have issues with chewing or swallowing. Be sure to contact an orthodontist today when you are in need of a consultation.