Month: June 2023

To achieve solid oral well-being and a splendid smile, your upper and lower jaws need to meet even-handedly, and this licenses you to eat and swallow effectively and avoid extreme health threats to your jaw, mouth, and teeth.

There is a specific point that causes the event of overbites and underbites. Being a standard issue, it requires intensive orthodontic therapy. In this condition, it might have an upward cross-over or level hole in the base and the front teeth.

Various inquiries about the methodology, fixing, and treatment must be addressed. Even though it probably won’t need treatment. In severe cases, it can influence speech, and it is expected to have intense orthodontic treatment.

What Causes An Overbite?

In dentistry, the solution for overbite issues is effectively accessible as dental specialists know how to fix this issue effortlessly. However, to avoid this issue, understanding the causes that lead to this condition is significant.

Genetic characteristics

Facial features like jaw shape and gauge can be procured and passed down to ages. A couple of individuals are carried into the world with just enough upper or lower jaw, while others are brought with a disproportionate jaw.

Thumb-Sucking

Sucking the thumb can cause buck teeth. When a youngster continues to suck past age 3 or 4, when the dependable teeth are built, the strain molded by sucking will cause the teeth to arise at a weird point.

Pacifiers

Sucking on a pacifier can cause overbite like sucking the thumb does. Studies have shown using pacifiers with a higher bet of malocclusions than sucking the fingers or thumb.

Tongue-Pushing

Tongue push causes overbite, which happens when the tongue presses exorbitantly far forward in the mouth. This is ordinary in kids, but it might be conveyed into adulthood.

Why Fix An Overbite?

There are many reasons to fix an overbite, and one of such reasons is the health-issues related to this condition. The issues that come with an overbite depend upon the seriousness of the situation. Problems caused by overbite include:

• The deformed appearance of the face
• Trouble biting or chewing
• Torment while biting or gnawing
• Discourse issues and obstructions
• Troublesome breathing and other breathing issues
• Harm to the teeth and gums

The course of treatment, for example, getting support, medical procedure, and the drawn-out utilization of retainers can be scary. However, the advantages of these therapies are more helpful than the short-term inconvenience brought by the treatment.

How To Cure An Overbite?

The main thing you need to know when you have an overbite is that you don’t need to fix a typical overbite which ranges from 2-4mm. For those with profound gaps and severe overbites, your dental specialist will inform you about the various approaches to remedying it and pick a reasonable strategy.

The technique for treatment utilized will rely upon the overbite’s reason and seriousness. Some of the commonly used treatments are as follows.

• Overbite Braces
• Transparent Braces
• Surgery
• Retrainer Treatment

Before getting the overbite issue fixed, you probably noticed a few upsetting circumstances like deformed facial appearance, migraine, facial pain, and more.

Additionally, your teeth will wear out quicker because of more burden on them. After correction, your facial appearance will be adjusted. At this point, when you will compare your picture, you will see the distinction. The discomfort and distress you’ve felt will disappear after treatment.

Lastly, it all depends upon the treatment and care that has to be taken care of. As with advanced technologies, with the proper consultation, you can quickly increase the life span of your healthy smile.

Dental bonding, also known as teeth bonding, is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that uses tooth-colored composite resin to restore or enhance the appearance of teeth. The procedure is commonly used to fix chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth, fill gaps between teeth, and improve the shape and size of teeth. It is imperative to take steps to ensure that teeth bonding lasts as long as possible, even though it is a relatively simple and affordable procedure.

Here are some ways to help you with the same:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your dental bonding lasts. It includes brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents plaque and tartar from accumulating on your teeth, thus keeping the bonding material in place.

• Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

Dental bonding is firm but less strong than your natural teeth. To help prevent damage, avoiding hard or sticky foods is essential, including things like hard candy, ice, and chewing gum. Make sure you chew on the opposite side of your mouth if you eat these foods.

• Wear a Mouthguard

It is essential to wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth during the night. A mouthguard is a custom-fitted appliance that covers your teeth and helps to absorb the shock of impact, which can help prevent damage to your oral or teeth restorations.

• Avoid Teeth Whitening Treatments

Bonding is resistant to staining, but teeth whitening treatments cannot be used on it. It is possible for dental bonding to become discolored after undergoing teeth whitening treatments. In order to avoid this, you should whiten your teeth before you get the tooth restoration device. 

• Schedule Regular Oral Checkups

Regular oral checkups are essential for maintaining your teeth bonding and other oral restorations. If your bonding needs to be repaired, your dentist can do so during your checkup. Taking action can prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.

• Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption

You could have problems with your tooth bonding if you smoke or drink too much alcohol. Smoking can cause the bonding material to become discolored and weaken the bond between the material and your tooth. In addition to drying out your mouth, excessive alcohol consumption can cause plaque and bacteria to build up on your teeth. You can also develop gum disease from smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, which can weaken the bond between your oral restoration material and your teeth.

• Address Any Bite Issues

It is important to address bite issues, such as overbites and underbites, as soon as possible. Bite issues can put extra pressure on your teeth bonding and cause them to fail. In addition to orthodontic treatment, your dentist may recommend other oral procedures to treat your bite issues.

Lastly, dental bonding can be a great way to restore or enhance the appearance of your teeth. Following these tips can help your oral bonding last as long as possible.

Keep your mouth healthy by avoiding hard or sticky foods, wearing a mouthguard, prophylactic tooth whitening, scheduling regular dental examinations, and addressing any bite issues. With proper care, your teeth bonding can last for many years, giving you a beautiful and confident smile.

Most toddlers clamp down at the site of a toothbrush and refuse to let you anywhere near their pearly whites. Kids are not born with the knowledge of how to wield a toothbrush; hence, this new experience initially seems scary to them. If cleaning is treated as a chore, it will not be enjoyable for kids, and you will not be able to get their cooperation. 

But there is good news for you if you are a toddler’s parent. The easiest way to deal with this problem is to try and make it fun and remove the stigma attached to cleaning teeth. Many fun ways, such as “sugar bugs” or “clean the teddy’s mouth,” will appeal to the kids, who will get excited when brushing their teeth.

Let us go through some ways you can make cleaning teeth a learning and enjoyable activity for your toddlers.

Why Do Toddlers Not Like The Idea of Brushing?

You might feel like everything is a fight with toddlers, from mealtime to getting dressed, traveling, and cleaning their pearly whites. You will get into many conflicts with the young ones, such as what to eat when to sleep, what to wear, and so on. 

• The act of rebellion is natural in tiny tots as they seek autonomy and control.
• By refusing to let you clean his mouth, your little one tells you, “This is my mouth, so my wish!”
• The look and feel of something as foreign as a toothbrush inside their mouth might be outrageous for toddlers who are still trying to make sense of the world around them.

How To Encourage And Teach Teeth Brushing To Toddlers?

We must start cleaning our infants’ mouths with a little bit of gauze right from six months of age and use toothbrushes for infants as their teeth erupt. It is essential to start early as it will not just prevent tooth decay but also prepare your kid for the act of cleaning their mouth. Here are a few tips you could use to develop the habit of brushing for your tiny tots and make it exciting too:

• Play Dr. Teddy – You could use your kid’s toy to introduce the idea of toothbrushes to your child. Let them clean their toy’s mouth, and then gradually, you could try cleaning your kid’s mouth. Make this activity fun by adding funny voices and silly expressions. Kids are great learners, and they can imitate pretty quickly. Having their favorite toy to play with while cleaning their mouth is a safe way to teach them the concept.
• Demonstrate the activity on yourself – Children emulate whatever their parents do, so brushing yourself in front of them will make the kids learn faster. Use a good technique to clean your mouth in front of your kids. You could keep explaining to them what you are doing and why, and it would be more effective if you kept the demonstration fun and upbeat. Showing enthusiasm during the activity is key to success as it can rub off on your toddler and excite them about oral hygiene.
• Let the child take the lead – Never try to force your way into your child’s mouth. Allow your kid to hold the toothbrush and gently guide them. You must be on the lookout for how much toothpaste is going on the bristles. The AAP (American Academy of Paediatrics) says that only a rice-sized dollop is required for kids under the age of three. You can give pea-sized toothpaste to your child of three to six years. If your kid uses too much toothpaste, it will lead to permanent tooth stains due to its fluoride. Once the child is done, you could check with your child if you can do a final check.  You might feel your child is not using the optimum technique to clean his mouth, but giving them control, more practice, and lots of praise goes a long way in establishing this habit. Kids usually get proficient at brushing by seven or eight years of age. 
• Do not make toothpaste a reason to fight – If your child does not like the taste of toothpaste, do not hassle over it. The AAP says that brushing is much more essential than the amount of toothpaste on the bristles.
• Sing songs – Singing along helps immensely in the brushing activity for kids. Choose a song your toddler likes, like “This is the way we brush our teeth.” or any of their favorite songs, and give it a go with a dry toothbrush first. Singing songs also makes toddlers realize how long they need to clean their mouths, so make the song last a couple of minutes and let them use their brushes for that duration.
• Use the right tools – You should use a children’s brush and tasty toothpaste specially made for kids so that your child looks forward to mouth cleaning time. If the tool is too big, it would be difficult for toddlers to maneuver and will not fit into their mouths properly.
• Give reinforcements – When you visit your family dentist next time, ask your doctor to explain the significance of daily brushing to your kid. Sometimes you need a third party or an authority (or expert) to communicate the idea to your children. 

Teaching your toddlers how to clean their mouth can be tedious and stressful, but with the many tips and ideas illustrated above, you can make brushing fun and cheerful for you and your kids.

Your teeth are significant in overall appearance, and having well-aligned pearly whites boosts your confidence. On the other hand, if we are ashamed of our dental setup, it makes us self-conscious, lowers our self-esteem, and we are embarrassed to smile or engage in conversations with others. 

Misalignment of teeth is known as malocclusion in clinical terms, and this condition can lead to many oral complications if left untreated. An ideal bite is when your upper dentition is a little forward with respect to your bottom teeth, and the valleys and peaks of both lower and upper molars meet perfectly. 

But not all of us have that perfect setup. A study says that as much as seventy-five percent of the world’s population has some alignment issues. Apart from cosmetic or aesthetic issues, misaligned dentition also causes many dental problems leading to premature wear and tear, weakening of teeth, and several other issues. 

As you go through this article, you will understand the various types of malocclusion and their impact on our oral health.

Types of Malocclusion 

In the mid-80s, Dr. Edward Angle (also known as the father of modern orthodontics) first categorized dental misalignments into three main classes based on the position of the first upper molar:

1. Class 1-Neutrocclusion- The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth in this malocclusion.
2. Class 2-Distoclusion- When there is a discrepancy in jaw growth, it falls into this category of malocclusion.
3. Class 3-Mesioclusion- When you have prominent lower front dentitions, you suffer from this misalignment category.

Almost all oral alignment issues fall under one of the classes of malocclusion.

Different Ways Your Teeth Can Be Misaligned

Malocclusions can be by birth or genetic, or they could also be caused by certain oral habits such as thumb sucking, tooth loss, prolonged bottle feeding, injuries, lack of oral care, etc. Some of the most common dental alignment issues are outlined below:

• Crowded teeth – When there is a lack of space in the oral cavity for teeth, you end up with this issue of overcrowding of teeth. Due to this, your dentitions grow to have crooked contours or could overlap with each other, which creates an overcrowded environment within the inside of your mouth. Your teeth are forced to press against each other in this situation, and it is difficult to brush or floss appropriately as there are many tricky nooks and corners in your dentures to clean around. This issue is mostly fixed with orthodontic braces or aligners like Invisalign.
• Excess Overjet – When the upper dentitions protrude past the lower teeth horizontally, it causes the extra overjet issue. You can have speech problems and trouble chewing and eating since your bite aligns well. It is also aesthetically unpleasant. This condition is primarily due to skeletal issues when the patient’s lower jaw has deficient growth. Another reason for this issue is a problem with the inclination of upper dentition. This problem can again be easily rectified with orthodontics.
• Deep overbite – We usually have a slight overlap between upper and lower dentures, which is normal. But when the upper jaw protrudes beyond normal and it bites down on the bottom teeth’ gums, it results in an overbite. This issue is mainly because the patient has a recessive chin that affects the shape of their jaw and face. Patients with this malocclusion tend to clench their jaws or grind their dentitions often, which could lead to chronic headaches and other discomforts. Genetic issues and thumb-sucking are the primary reasons, and orthodontic treatment can address this issue.
• Underbite – An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend past the upper ones. If you have used a pacifier or sucked your thumb as a kid, you are likely to develop this condition. Genetics is also one of the reasons for this type of malocclusion. Apart from being an aesthetic issue, an underbite also poses chewing problems. In severe cases of underbite, patients might experience speech problems, tremendous pain, and more. Orthodontics like Invisalign and braces can help in fixing underbites.
• Crossbite – Crossbite looks similar to overbite or underbite but is a less common issue than either. In a crossbite, your upper pearly whites bite down on your lower ones. Your top and bottom plates are not aligned well, and your teeth crisscross when you eat. Crossbite is also called a negative overjet. Abnormal growth of adult teeth and a small mouth that cannot accommodate adult teeth adequately are some of the reasons for crossbites. Crossbites can significantly damage your dentitions as you bite down, resulting in chipped and cracked teeth or even bleeding and painful gums. In children, a palate expander is often used to correct a crossbite. The crossbite corrects itself in around nine percent of kids as they grow. Invisalign is also known to restore crossbites in adults.
• Diastema or gaps in pearly whites- Compared to crowded teeth, diastema occurs when your mouth is too large for the number of dentitions you have. Small gaps form between your teeth to fill the space, mainly between the front two upper or lower dentitions. The gaps make more food stuck between your pearly whites, which could result in more cavities, gum diseases, and tooth decay. Braces and Invisalign are two common solutions for diastema.

Misaligned teeth can make us feel awkward and cause various oral and speech difficulties. But the good news is that any malocclusion is treatable through orthodontic treatments like traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, or retainers. You can meet up with your dentist to find the best solution for the type of oral misalignment you have.

Decay, infection, or crowding can all lead to the need for a tooth extraction. Removing teeth is a complex process and is always done by a dentist or an oral surgeon. It is a quick outpatient procedure that can be done with local, general, intravenous, or a combination of these types of anesthesia.

To learn more about how it happens, you need to know about the various kinds of tooth extractions that are done today. In dentistry, there are three main types of dental extractions, which are:

• Simple Tooth Extraction- A simple extraction is when a dentist needs to remove teeth that can be seen in the mouth. Most of the time, they have tools that help lift or raise the teeth and others that hold them in place.

These are fairly simple procedures that can be done in a dentist’s office with local anesthesia. For pain after a procedure, the dentist may give you over-the-counter painkillers.

• Surgical Tooth Extraction- This is done when the teeth that need to be removed can’t be reached easily or are still under the gums. The dentist may have to cut through the gum tissue to get to the tooth and pull it out.

This procedure is more complex than just pulling out teeth, so it takes more time and tools to get ready. This process takes longer to heal afterward than a simple extraction.

• Wisdom Tooth Extraction– Wisdom tooth extraction is the last type of teeth removal. Even though it is a form of surgical extraction, it is in its own category because of how often it is done.

Wisdom teeth are no longer useful because of evolution. If they grow in at the wrong angle, they can be painful for many people. But of all the extractions that have been mentioned so far, this is one of the most common.

Prevalent risks factors of a tooth extraction

There are a few risks to getting a tooth pulled, but if your dentist recommends it, the benefits are likely to be greater than the small chance of problems.

When you take out teeth the normal way, a blood clot forms around the wound in the shape of a “socket,” which looks like a hole where the teeth used to be. If this happens, the dentist will put a sedative dressing over the area for a few days to protect it. It is noticed that there occurs a new clot that gets develops over a period of time. Some of the most important risks that come with getting a tooth pulled are:

• Bleeding that lasts longer than 12 hours
• Cough
• Swelling and redness at the surgical site
• Severe fever and chills, signaling an infection
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the chest and trouble breathing

You should call your dentist immediately if you have any of these signs.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare 

You may have jaw and joint discomfort due to your mouth opening during the operation. You might have a dry socket if the pain lasts longer than 3 days or worsens.

• When the blood clot in the periodontal pocket doesn’t form or fall out, the bone of the socket walls is exposed. This is called a “dry socket.”
• A dry socket is usually treated with a medicated gel that the dentist puts in the socket to cover it.

Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if you have pain that doesn’t go away after a few days or signs of an infection, such as fever, pain, pus, or drainage from the cut. Even though getting a tooth pulled hurts, your dentist or oral surgeon can remove that pain by giving you local anesthesia and sedatives.

The desire to have a bright, white smile is common among many people. However, teeth discoloration is a common problem that can detract from the appearance of your smile. Many factors can cause tooth staining, from poor oral hygiene to certain foods and drinks. To prevent or treat tooth discoloration, you should understand the most common causes.

• Poor Oral Hygiene

One of the most common causes of teeth discoloration is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and bacteria can build up in your mouth, leading to stains. In addition, poor oral hygiene can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay, which can also cause staining or spots.

• Foods and Drinks

Certain foods and drinks can also cause tooth discoloration. Common culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and tomato sauce. These foods and beverages contain chromogens, pigment molecules that can stick to your mouth and cause stains over time. In addition, acidic foods and drinks can erode dental enamel, which makes them more stain-prone.

• Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is another common cause of tooth stains. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause stains on your teeth and increase your risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, can also cause your tooth to turn yellow over time.

• Aging

As we age, our teeth naturally become more discolored. It is because the enamel on the tooth wears down over time, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath. In addition, the enamel layer on the tooth becomes thinner as we age, making it more susceptible to staining from foods, drinks, and other factors.

• Medications

Certain medications can also cause tooth staining as a side effect. For example, some antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can cause yellow or gray stains on the teeth, especially in children under 8. Other medications, such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high-blood pressure drugs, can also cause discoloration.

• Genetics

Some people are more prone to tooth discoloration than others due to genetics. If your parents or grandparents have discolored teeth, there is a greater chance that you will also suffer from staining issues.

• Trauma

Trauma to the teeth, such as from a fall or sports injury, can also cause discoloration. If the tooth’s nerve is damaged, it may turn gray or black over time. In addition, if the tooth is chipped or cracked, it may be more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks.

• Fluorosis

The condition of fluorosis results from too much fluoride exposure in childhood, and it can cause white or brown stains on the teeth and pits or grooves in the enamel. Fluorosis is usually caused by drinking water that contains high levels of fluoride, but it can also be caused by swallowing toothpaste or other fluoride-containing products.

Prevention and Treatment

You can prevent tooth staining by taking several steps. These include:

• Keeping your mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing
• Limiting your consumption of foods and drinks that can cause staining
• Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco
• Keeping your mouth moist and washing away food particles by drinking plenty of water can also help.
• Seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups

If you already have a discolored tooth, several treatments are available to help restore your smile. These include:

• Whitening Treatment 

Whitening treatment is a popular and effective treatment. This procedure involves applying a bleaching agent to the teeth to remove stains and discoloration. Several whitening kits are available, including in-office treatments and at-home kits.

• Dental Bonding

The process of dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the teeth to improve their appearance. This treatment is often used to repair a chipped or cracked tooth but can also cover up tooth stains. 

• Porcelain Veneers

The porcelain veneers cover the front surface of the teeth with thin, custom-made shells of porcelain. They are used to improve the appearance of your smile, including discoloration and misalignment.

Tooth staining is a common problem that can detract from the appearance of your smile. The most common causes of discoloration include poor oral hygiene, foods and drinks, tobacco use, aging, medications, genetics, trauma, and fluorosis. If you are suffering from the same issue, talk to your dentist to determine the best treatment for your needs and budget.