| Malocclusion and Its Effects on You |
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If you go to the dentist and hear the term malocclusion, you might start to worry as it does sound serious. While any dental issue is considered important, malocclusion means that you have a bad bite. There could be a variety of reasons for the poor bite, each of which could make it very difficult for you to keep your teeth clean and free from the risk of gum disease.
Reasons for Malocclusion
Most often, a bad bite is noticed during the early elementary years when kids start getting their permanent teeth - typically age 6-12. Sometimes the issue is overlooked causing you to have problems well into your adulthood. There are a variety of reasons that children and adults have a poor bite. These include:
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An already overcrowded mouth that does not have enough room for yet-to-erupt teeth |
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Severely crooked teeth |
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Misaligned jaws |
How Bad Bites Affect You
Some people do not think that they need to be worried with their bad bite, but it can have long-term effects. Teeth that are not aligned properly can be difficult to clean, leaving you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. With a bad bite you also risk:
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Fractured teeth |
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Malformed jaw lines |
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Difficulty with proper speech |
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Difficulty eating certain foods |
If you feel your bite is not properly aligned, call us today. A bad bite can be fixed as an adult, but the earlier it is corrected, the fewer problems you will have in the future.
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| Gum Stimulation is Essential for Healthy Gums
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It is very important to pay close attention to the health of your gums and not just your teeth. Gum disease can be serious. As a part of your daily oral health routine consider making time to use an interdental device to stimulate the gums. For most folks, a gentle circular motion with a regular toothbrush will do the trick. However, If you've lost some of the gums around or between your teeth, you might need to use a separate interdental device such as an end-tuft brush or prox-a-brush. This will help remove harmful bacteria which prevents both cavities and gum disease. There are a variety of interdental devices available, make sure to find one that is gentle yet effective on your gums. If you're not sure what to use or how to use it effectively and safely, give us a call! We're happy to help.
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| Teaching Kids How to Use Toothpaste |
Kids can get overzealous when it comes to toothpaste; some brands are made to taste good and that make kids excited about brushing their teeth! If your kids are less than 6 years old, it is important to keep a close eye on the amount that they use. Only a small amount: "just a little color on the bristles" is plenty. When you shop for toothpaste for your child, look for those products that are approved by the ADA (American Dental Association). Products approved by the ADA ensure that toothpaste is considered safe and yet will do an effective job in removing bacteria and preventing cavities in your child's teeth.
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