Did you know that misaligned teeth can have a big impact on more than just your smile? Beyond the cosmetic dentistry solutions to straighten teeth, misalignment can affect several key aspects of your digestion, from how well you chew your food to how your gut absorbs nutrients.
So, don’t let misaligned teeth wreak havoc on your smile and body. Schedule an Invisalign® consultation with Thomas F. Brown, DDS, in Naperville, IL, today. Reach our team at (630) 369-3120 to reserve your spot now!
In today’s blog, Dr. Brown takes a look at how your teeth play a critical role in keeping your digestive system happy and healthy.
Chewing: The First Step in Digestion
When your teeth don’t line up properly, it’s harder to chew your food the way you should. Chewing is where digestion begins, breaking food down into small pieces so your stomach and intestines can process it easily.
If you struggle to chew due to misaligned teeth, larger food particles may pass through to your digestive system. This makes it harder for your body to break down and absorb all the good stuff in your food.
Efficient chewing also prevents bloating and indigestion, so keeping those teeth aligned is more important than you think!
Saliva Production: Nature’s Digestive Helper
Misaligned teeth can also mess with your saliva production. While chewing, your body produces saliva, which contains enzymes that begin breaking down food before it even hits your stomach.
If your teeth don’t work together correctly, you may not chew long enough to produce enough saliva. This not only impacts digestion but can also make swallowing food more difficult.
Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids and keeping your mouth healthy, so less saliva production can lead to other dental issues as well.
Nutrient Absorption: Get the Most Out of Your Meals
When you chew poorly because of misaligned teeth, your body may miss out on some essential nutrients. Nutrient absorption happens mostly in the small intestine, and when food isn’t properly broken down, it takes longer for your body to absorb all the vitamins and minerals.
Over time, this can lead to deficiencies that may affect your overall health. Making sure your teeth are aligned helps you get the most out of every bite!
Gut Microbiome: A Healthy Balance
Your gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria that aid digestion, boost immunity, and keep your system running smoothly. Misaligned teeth can throw off this delicate balance.
Poor chewing can allow undigested food particles to pass through the digestive tract, upsetting the gut microbiome’s harmony. An imbalanced gut microbiome may lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, or even long-term problems like irritable bowel syndrome.
Believe it or not, properly aligned teeth can play a surprising role in keeping your gut healthy!
Misaligned Teeth? Take Action with Thomas F. Brown, DDS
If you think misaligned teeth are just a cosmetic issue, think again! From chewing and saliva production to nutrient absorption and the gut microbiome, your teeth affect multiple stages of digestion. So, if you’re noticing any discomfort while eating or digesting, it’s worth talking to our Naperville, IL, dentist about Invisalign treatment.
Ready to straighten misaligned teeth and get your digestion back on track? Request an appointment on our website, or call Dr. Brown at (630) 369-3120 to get started!