Psychological impacts of an orthodontic treatment

An aesthetically beautiful smile is just one of the many benefits orthodontics offers. Bringing lips, teeth, and jaws into accurate alignment does not just help in creating great smiles, but ones that are healthy as well. Straight teeth are a lot easier to maintain and also tend to function better. Left untreated, orthodontic problems can get worse and lead to problems such as, gum diseases, tooth decay, difficulty in chewing, speech impairment and the like.

Most importantly, enhanced aesthetics increase confidence. This psychological benefit plays a significant role when patients decide to undergo an orthodontic treatment. People with unsightly teeth or appearance will be made fun of by their peers and that will automatically affect their social and psychological development. Also, according to dental experts, those people who have healthier smiles may be considered more attractive than others. These people are more likely to earn five to ten percent more than adults who have average looks. Hence, there is a distinctive bias in the market towards people that look good.

Orthodontics for children:

Most professionals recommend that the first visit of a child to the orthodontist must be between seven to nine years. Early detection helps the dentist to examine and evaluate the problems that might surface in jaw growth and in dental development. This in turn helps to plan proper treatment. In several cases, treatment might not be required till the child reaches a certain age. However, early treatment can be initiated in certain cases to avoid more serious issues.

Signs that a child might require a visit to the orthodontist-

• Reverse bite
• cross-bite
• protruding teeth
• deep bite
• crowded teeth
• thumb sucking
• missing teeth

Adult orthodontics:

A lot of people believe that braces are only for kids. The reality is, with advancement in the orthodontic treatment materials and techniques, a lot of people over the age of 21 are also seeking treatment. In fact, there has been a considerable increase in adult patients in recent years.

The biological process involved in pushing teeth is the same in older people as in children. Hence, orthodontic treatment can be done successfully at almost any age. However the approach and objective of a treatment might differ from children.

The need to be accepted in the society is something that we can never outgrow. A child or an adult who feels ugly due to misaligned jaws or crooked teeth may become extremely self-conscious and obsessed with his or her look. He/she might start covering the mouth when laughing or speaking, be socially handicapped or hesitate to smile. Suffice to say that a beautiful smile helps in enhancing our confidence to several notches. And attractive teeth are only the beginning. Improved oral health and general well-being are important benefits too.

When you feel embarrassed of your smile, the feeling can make you feel awful about yourself. And, on the other hand, when you begin to feel good about your facial appearance, it shows. You might not get that raise you have always been wanting, but you will discover a huge boost in your self-confidence after a smile makeover. You can smile more comfortably and freely, and will lead a happier life. However, it is important to choose an orthodontist carefully. Make sure the individual is fully qualified and does a thorough assessment of your mouth before prescribing treatment. CT scans are often utilized by orthodontists to get greater details so that they can plan the treatment accurately. Even though the orthodontic treatment is a bit costly it is certainly value for money as it offers positive social, psychological, and physical outcomes that occur as a consequence of it.

Difference between a dental crown and a bridge

Dental bridges are devices used for replacing missing teeth, while dental crowns can be utilized on the nearby projections to support a dental bridge. However, crowns cannot be used for replacing a missing tooth. Here are a few differences between the two procedures:

Placement:

How Is A Crown Placed?

To place a dental crown, the tooth is first prepared by scraping off the weakened area and decay. The remaining structure is then reformed to meet the design of the crown. If required, a restorative material, normally a composite resin, is fixed onto the remainder of the tooth structure to make sure the prosthetic gets a proper foundation. This process is known as a "build-up." Once the tooth is ready, an impression is made and given to the lab to fabricate the crown. On the next appointment, the dental expert cements the cap onto the tooth structure. Modifications could be required to get the perfect fit, to ensure that the crown feels comfortable inside the mouth and confirms to the bite.

How Is A Bridge Fabricated and Placed?

For a conventional fixed bridge, the first appointment comprises of the dental expert reducing the nearby abutment teeth that act as anchors. Then, impressions are taken and a metal framework is created. During the subsequent appointment, the bridge is fixed over the teeth. The treatment time is normally about seven days, depending on the kind of bridge.

Care and upkeep:

How should a dental crown be taken care of?

To prevent any fracturing or damaging of the crowns, patients must avoid chewing on hard foods and objects. It is also good to avoid teeth grinding. Apart from this, visiting a dental expert, brushing twice a day, and cleaning the teeth properly is important with crowns. Flossing is essential for removing plaque. Plaque around the crown area can lead to gum disease and dental decay. Regular hygiene appointments and examinations should be performed, to avoid any kind of decay and failure of restorations.

How to take care of a dental bridge?

It is extremely important to floss, brush, and visit the dentist on a regular basis to keep the bridge in good condition. If food or plaque buildup is not properly controlled, the gums and teeth can get infected, necessitating further treatment and leading to loss of bridge. It is good to use floss threads that assist in removing bacteria from difficult to reach areas in between the bridges and nearby gums and teeth. Normally, crowns over the bridges envelop most of the bare portion of the tooth and decomposition does not affect the bridge as it is created of porcelain or metal. However, the place where the natural tooth meets the bridge’s crown can get decayed. If proper oral hygiene is maintained, bridges can last for several years.

Eligibility:

Who is the candidate for such restorations?

Every patient is properly examined to find out their oral state and which treatment will work for them. A comprehensive consultation with the doctor gives the patient a chance to express concerns, ask questions, and discuss details of the procedures. The consultation process of most good clinics is focused on the patient’s individual needs, and dental bridges and crowns are used when the experts are sure the patient will experience several benefits from them.

If you're suffering from broken, damaged, or incomplete teeth, then get in touch with a good dentist and talk to him/her about dental bridges and crowns. These simple procedures can make a lot of difference in your oral health and can also help enhance your social life.

8 effective home remedies for halitosis

The problem of bad breath or halitosis has affected humans for several centuries. Different cultures found different ways to get rid of it. For instance, the ancient Greeks used home remedies such as rinsing the mouth with myrrh, anise seed, and white wine, while the Italians concocted a mouthwash of cinnamon, sage, juniper seeds, rosemary leaves, and root of cypress. 

This blog contains information about halitosis, what causes it and home remedies that can help keep the bad smell away. Here is a closer look at this problem.

Causes Of halitosis:

Finding out the cause of bad breath can be the first step in fixing it. In almost eighty percent of the cases, it's because of something inside the mouth. In fact, bad breath is a consequence of nothing too severe than an unclean mouth. Plaque, a form of bacteria that is consistently developing, is often the culprit. Another possible reason of stink could be decayed food that's stuck between teeth.

Other Causes for Bad Breath

• Dental problems such as cavity and poor gums lead to development of pus in the gums because of which bad smell starts to come from the mouth.
• Dentists also believe that patients that have poor respiratory or digestive system suffer from halitosis. Diseases such as sinusitis, and intestinal disease play a big role in producing bad breath.

Home Remedies:

Here are some effective home remedies for treating bad breath 

Guava - Guava does not just taste good, but is also nutritious and healthy. The fruit contains useful chemicals such as malic acid, oxalic acid, and minerals such as manganese and calcium. These chemicals are helpful for gums and teeth and prevent any kind of bleeding.

Apple - chewing an apple after a meal will help in keeping the mouth fresh, and will get rid of any trapped foods between the teeth.

Fenugreek seeds - This is an extremely effective home remedy that is used for getting rid of bad breath. Boil 1/2 liter of water with about a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds. Boil it for 10-20 minutes. Filter out the seeds and consume the tea about three times a day.

Avocado - Avocado helps in clearing out the intestine that gets clogged with unnecessary material due to diseases and improper digestion. This consequentially prevents the formation of plaque inside the mouth. In fact, doctors believe consuming two to three slices of avocado is much better than using a mouth freshener.

Fresh veggies and juices - eating less, consuming unhealthy food, drinking less fluid are few of the many reasons for bad breath. It is important to always consume a lot of water or other kinds of fluids such as freshly prepared fruit and vegetable juices. Such fluids help keep the gums soft and mouth wet. Consequentially, there is less buildup of smelled sticky material on the tongue.

Cloves and mint leaves - Person who suffers from halitosis can chew on mint leaves or cloves. This helps in keeping the mouth fresh and wet. Apart from this, patients can also chew sunflower seeds, a wonderful remedy to avoid bad breath.

Parsley leaves - Take a glass of water and mix parsley leaves in it. Boil the mixture for about twenty minutes. Add 4 cloves and boil again with constant stirring. Strain the water and let it cool. Then rinse your mouth three times during the day for best results.

Lemon extract – Take a glass of water and add a tablespoon full of fresh lemon juice to it. Use the lemon water as mouth wash three times a day. This helps in keeping the mouth fresh and gets rid of bad breath.

Apart from applying these home remedies, it is also important to buy the right hygiene equipment such as dental floss, tooth brush and the like. They must be ADA approved and should fit the size of your mouth.

Heart disease and jaw pain. Are they related?

We've all read about the signs of a heart attack over the internet and in hospitals. However, apart from the obvious symptoms, what if there were warning signs that could alert us ahead of time that we may be in trouble? Fortunately, there are certain symptoms that may indicate towards a possible heart problem. Doctors have done ample research in looking at symptoms and signs experienced by patients for months or even years that may lead to a heart attack.

The relation Between the Human Jaw and Heart attacks:

There can be several dental reasons that might make your jaw hurt. Some of the most common comprise of misaligned teeth, TM joint disorders, and grinding habits. Infections and toothaches can also lead to jaw pain.

But apart from the obvious connection, your jaw is also connected to several other parts of your body. Consequently, pain in this area can at times be a sign of problems that are beyond the sphere of dentistry – heart attack, for example. When this is actually the case, the jaw pain will normally be accompanied by several other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and the like.

Description of the Symptoms and Pain:

The pain will normally remain on the left hand side, and stay confined to the lower jaw and molars. Lower jaw pain can also indicate towards other disorders such as cancer, TMJ disorders or gum issues. Upper jaw pain is normally not a heart problem, but can be a gum issue, sinus or cancer. The best way to deal with it is to seek emergency medical care especially if the pain is accompanied by other signs and symptoms of a heart attack. On the other hand, if you’re having oral or jaw conditions not linked with symptoms of a heart attack, you must seek care from a dental expert to decide the basis of your discomfort.

List of Signs that indicate towards calling a doctor:

It is very common for people who have an attack to report panic or anxiety, or a general uneasiness. In case you’re having such feelings with your jaw pain, or in case your jaw pain begins suddenly or is accompanied with any of the below mentioned symptoms, call 911 immediately:

• Stomach pain that might include feeling of throwing up
• Uneasiness in the chest, such as squeezing, pain, or a feeling of heaviness
• Sweaty, pale, clammy or cold skin
• Feeling as though you can’t catch up with your breath
• Discomfort or pain spreading from the neck, chest, or jaw to the shoulders or back
• Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or faint
• Feeling tired
• Breaking out in sweat

Unlike the pain caused by TMJ disorder, ear infection or tooth pain, jaw pain due to a heart problem doesn't feel like it is in one specific spot but rather it radiates outward in a specific line. The pain might also extend to the arm and shoulder -- specifically on the left hand side, and remedies like ice, heat and massage don't affect it.

Every minute counts when you’re having a heart attack because without immediate treatment, a heart attack can get fatal or can cause serious damage to the cardiovascular system. You will get the quickest treatment and diagnosis of your pain by calling 911. This is due to the fact that the emergency personnel will initiate the treatment from the pickup point itself. As a safety measure, all medics will treat you as though you are having an attack till all tests have been performed. This will ensure complete safety.

Are you brushing your teeth right?

Tooth brushing is a habit few people think twice about. However, if you get sloppy with it, you may end up developing gum diseases and cavities. Proper tooth brushing takes minimum of two minutes. Moreover, to properly brush the teeth, make use of gentle, short strokes, paying attention to the areas around crowns, and gum line. Here are a few mistakes people make when brushing:

Mistake 1: Wrong brush:

It is important to pick a toothbrush that matches the size of your mouth. If you’re struggling to open your mouth wide to let the device in then probably your brush is too big. The handle must also be comfortable so that you can use it properly and for the required duration of time.

Mistake 2: The Bristles:

Some toothbrushes come with straight bristles while others have angled bristles. Both types are fine but what’s important to consider is avoiding stiff bristles that tend to aggravate the gums. Basically, the brush must be sturdy enough to get rid of the plaque but not inflexible to damage the mouth when used properly. It is also good to avoid "natural" bristles such as the ones made out of animal hair.

Mistake 3: Duration of Brushing:

When people don’t brush for longer durations of time, bacterial plaque tends to build up, increasing the risk of inflammation and other related problems. Brushing must last for at least two minutes and must be performed two to three times a day.

The best technique to use while brushing is to divide the mouth into several quadrants and spending thirty seconds on every quadrant.

Mistake 4: Brushing too hard:

It is ideal to brush the teeth at least thrice a day. Excessive brushing can expose the tooth root irritation, and that can end up irritating the gums. Brushing forcefully can also wear away tooth enamel. The best technique is to brush gently for a couple of minutes.

When should you brush your teeth?

Brushing your teeth in the morning before breakfast and at night before going to bed is recommended. Never brush right after a meal as it can damage the teeth, particularly if you've consumed citric fruits, wine, fizzy drinks, or foods that contain acid.

The fact is that acid softens tooth enamel and can be abraded by brushing. Instead, make sure you stay without brushing so that the acid is naturally neutralized inside the mouth.

What Toothpaste to Use:

Toothpaste comprises of certain cleaning agents that help in removing plaque from the teeth, keeping them healthy and clean. A lot of toothpastes also comprise of fluoride that assists in preventing and controlling cavities. It’s extremely important to make use of pastes that have the right quantity of fluoride. Go through the packaging to find out the amount of fluoride every brand contains.

• For infants till the age of three: make use of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride.
• For children up to the age of three to six: make use of toothpaste comprising 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride.
• For adults: make use of toothpaste that has at least 1,450ppm fluoride.

It is also good to use a mouthwash that can really help in preventing tooth decay and assist in getting rid of any bacteria or food that might have been missed by the brush. However, never use mouthwash right after brushing the teeth. Choose some other time, like after lunch. And never drink or eat for half an hour after using a mouthwash.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are a bunch of common mistakes that several people make night and day that can injure teeth and turn a good smile upside-down. It’s important to break bad habits and its best to start by brushing right.

The Importance of Early Dental Care

Early dental care helps in promoting a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smile. The latest techniques and technologies help in avoiding decay and the likelihood of discomfort and pain later. Here is some information pertaining to baby teeth care:

The first visit
The child’s first appointment with the dentist must be scheduled somewhere close to his/her first birthday. This visit should be about getting comfortable with the dentist and the staff. A relaxed, pleasant, visit helps build trust and puts the infant at ease for further dental appointments.

Apart from regular doctor appointments, it is also important to adopt certain healthy habits to the child care routine. For instance, most babies are put to bed right after a bottle of milk or juice. These liquids consist of sugar, which might remain inside the mouth and generate bacteria overnight. For such reasons, it is important to feed water at bedtime. In addition, prolonged thumb sucking is also a problem. It can cause the front teeth to stick out, leading to several dental problems in the future. Hence, parents must help their children lose this habit.

Prevention is key between ages six to twelve, when the child’s milk teeth give way to adult teeth. Ask the dentist to suggest a sealant, a resin that can be bonded to the chewing surface of the tooth to prevent bacteria from making grooves. Toothpaste is not important initially, but a very soft baby toothbrush can be used to remove food debris and initial plaque in the mouth. Even using a wet washcloth to wipe the mouth is helpful.

The First Orthodontic Visit:
Around the age of seven, most children undergo orthodontic assessment. Orthodontics is basically about altering jaw growth; recognizing skeletal causes of chipped, crooked teeth early to ensure a beautiful, perfect smile later on.

At this stage children are also trained to get the basics right -- brushing two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, reducing snacks high on sugar, and going for regular dental checkups. It is also a good idea to award children with gifts every now and then to keep them motivated to stay healthy.

Getting a child ready for his/her first dental appointment
It is very important to prepare the child for a trip to the dentist. Here are some tips that must be kept in mind:

• Be very brief. Parents have a tendency to over-talk about the upcoming dentist appointment to their children to prepare them, a tactic that normally backfires. It is best to let the child know about the appointment ahead of time and just leave it to that.
• Be very positive. Most parents who have suffered from bad dental treatments often presume that their children will, too. It’s not good to talk about fear as it sets up negative connotation with the dentist and dental treatments.
• Be calm. Several parents keep repeating the directives given to their children by the doctor or tend to meddle with the doctor’s ways during the visits. Hearing numerous voices puzzles the child and hinders a chance for bonding with the dentist.

Preventive care and early examination will ensure minimal problems with the child’s teeth. It is important that parents make the child’s first appointment between six to twelve months. Early cleanings will assist the child in forming good habits and realizing the significance of good oral health. Bear in mind – if a child is facing several dental health problems, sedation dentistry can provide an excellent solution for rectifying all the issues at once. It keeps the child from having problems in undergoing procedures that might seem scary or sitting still for extended periods of time.

Is there a link between Obesity and Gum Disease?

Countries like USA and Mexico are among the highest in obesity levels in both children and adults. Experts believe that about one-third of the American population can be classified as overweight. This increased number has led to the prediction that every two out of three individuals will be obese or overweight by the year 2020- which is a big concern.

Effects of Obesity:
Obesity can negatively affect a person’s overall emotional and physical health, and is connected to a variety of serious health problems including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancer types. Interestingly, some doctors also indicate that it may play a role in the occurrence of gum diseases. In fact, studies show that obesity can increase risk for gum related disease, due to insulin resistance that the body develops. Gum disease can start with mild gingivitis, wherein gums bleed easily. However, if not treated on time, they can become Periodontitis, wherein bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums and instigate an inflammatory response. It is also believed that people with elevated body mass generate a greater level of inflammatory proteins.

Study:
A study from Harvard School of Public Health also indicated towards a prospective association between periodontal disease and obesity. The height and weight and self-reported periodontal disease data was recorded of several subjects at the beginning of the test, and questionnaires were mailed bi-annually to find out how the subjects were fairing. Measures of obesity were taken by hip and waist circumference. After evaluating thousands of subjects, the team observed drastic association between periodontal disease and obesity when accounting for smoking, age, race, physical activity, dental profession, diabetes status and fruit and vegetable intake.

Unfortunately, gum problems already affect a large percentage of people and can also have a very negative impact on mortality. The habits people develop can impact the condition of their present and future health. For that matter, it is advisable to reset and get back into shape for maintaining excellent health. Here are some oral habits that should be a part of everyone’s oral health regime:

• Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the projections daily.
• Eating a well balanced diet, decreasing the intake of beverages and foods that are high in sugar.
• Visiting a dentist regularly for proper dental treatment.

Dental professionals must be very careful about the patient’s medical history and reevaluate any medical condition that may point to cause obesity. They should then advise patients to see a physician for more evaluation. Their oral health condition should be assessed and treatment should be provided based on the physician’s finding. Emphasis must be given on reducing of the plaque and associated inflammation, both below and above the gum line. Proper home care should also be reinforced, and the patients should be motivated to floss and brush twice a day. When most people resolve to get rid of that excess fat, their main motivation is to fit into those skinny jeans or wear a bathing suit. And while looking good is important, the health benefits of losing a few pounds are enormous. Likewise, the health concerns for the heavy weight are often scary, as this epidemic is spreading across the nation, leading to several deaths. Doctors have associated numerous conditions, such as stroke, heart disease, type II diabetes, and some types of cancer. Bodies of obese individuals also relentlessly generate cytokines, proteins that have inflammatory properties. Such cytokines can directly reduce blood flow or harm the gum tissue, consequentially promoting the growth of gum disease. Perhaps it’s time to switch one’s motivation from looking great on the outside, to taking proper care of the bodies from the inside, as being obese can not only cost people their self-esteem, but also their lives.