Dental braces are common in young children and teenagers. Because of this, the majority of people think that after this age, the teeth will always remain in place and won’t shift. However, this is not always the case. Although your teeth move as you grow and your jaw grows with them, they can shift throughout your life. An NW Albuquerque dentist can tell you different reasons why your teeth will shift and what you can do to avoid it. 

Why Your Teeth May Shift

Teeth shifting can occur due to the following:

• Periodontal disease. This type of condition results from poor oral hygiene. They affect your gums and jawbone, which support your teeth and keep them in place. When you suffer from periodontal disease, your teeth will no longer get stable support from your gums and jawbone, causing them to shift away. 
• Changes in your jawbone. Facial bone does not stop changing. Particularly, your lower jaw will affect how your teeth shift. With age, this part of your face grows forward or becomes narrow. This can result in teeth shifting by causing your lower teeth to overlap and crowd together. Also, jaw changes will change your bite.
• Teeth grinding. This usually happens when you sleep and as a way to respond to stress, putting pressure on your teeth. Thus, teeth grinding or clenching can cause your teeth to shift in various directions. 
• Lip aging. Did you know that your lips will get smaller and tighter with age? This small change will put pressure on your teeth, causing them to shift. 

How to Deal with Teeth Shifting

There are steps you can take to handle teeth shifting. These include the following:

• Correct shifted teeth. If your teeth are seriously shifted that they resulted in a noticeable misalignment, you should visit a dentist for corrections. Your treatment can include braces and clear aligners for straightening your teeth. 
• Prioritize your oral health. To prevent your teeth from shifting, you should stick to a good oral hygiene routine. This means you must brush your teeth twice every day for two minutes and floss them at least once. Also, you should use antibacterial mouthwash to deal with harmful mouth bacteria. Always visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. This lets you keep your gums, teeth, and mouth healthy, giving your teeth strong support. 
• Seek treatment for teeth grinding. To prevent damage from teeth grinding, your dentist may suggest that you use a night guard. Also, they may tell you to focus on seeking a remedy for the cause of this habit. For instance, if your teeth-grinding habit is stress-related, you may have to take steps to reduce your stress, such as engaging in yoga and meditation.