Blog

You’ve probably heard someone tell you about getting wisdom teeth removed irrespective of whether you are an adolescent, parent, or grown adult.

If your wisdom teeth haven’t been removed yet, you’re probably wondering the following:

Do I really need my wisdom tooth removed?

Not everyone needs to get their wisdom tooth extracted. There are specific reasons why a wisdom tooth needs to be removed and this article will explain them. 

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth get their name because they usually come in when you are older and you can expect these teeth around the ages of 17 to 21.

These teeth are located in the very back of your mouth. You can expect two on the top and two on the bottom although, this isn’t the case for everyone.

Wisdom teeth are molars and complete your set of 32 adult teeth. These molars are the toughest of them all, used to grind food, which is why they are wide and also cause a lot of problems.

Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Here are the four main reasons why your dentist may say you need your wisdom teeth removed:

1. They are impacted: This means your wisdom teeth cannot come in properly and can cause a lot of pain. Most often they lie horizontally and remain below the gumline instead of being upright. 
2. They come in at the wrong angle: Wisdom teeth can push against and damage your surrounding teeth if they don’t come in straight and upright. 
3. Your mouth isn’t big enough: Some people have smaller jaws that do not have enough room for an extra set of molars. 
4. You can’t maintain optimal oral health: You are going to be more susceptible to cavities and gum disease, If you can’t reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush and floss

Common wisdom teeth problems

Over 10 million wisdom teeth are removed in the United States every year.

Watch out for these common problems associated with a Wisdom tooth:

• They can cause pain and bite problems: If your extra set of molars do not grow in properly, they can push your other teeth, causing mouth pain and bite problems. 
• Jaw damage: Cysts can form around unsuitable wisdom teeth. If left untreated, they can destroy bones, roots, and nerves. If a cyst turns into a tumor, you may require surgery.
• Sinus pain: Wisdom teeth in your upper jaw can push against your sinuses, leading to pain, pressure, headaches, and congestion.
• Cavities and gum disease: Inflamed gums can be hard to clean. As pockets between the teeth and gums form, bacteria can grow, which can cause cavities and gum disease 

When should you get your wisdom teeth removed?

The earlier the better.

Your bones become harder as you become older which can make the removal and recovery process more difficult.

Your dentist will use x-rays to determine:

• If you have wisdom teeth – you may not even know if they are hidden
• If you need to have wisdom teeth removed
• How many wisdom teeth need to be removed
• When you should have your wisdom teeth removed
  

Do you need to get your wisdom teeth removed?
You don’t need to get your wisdom teeth removed just because you have them. Contact your dentist today to schedule an appointment or bring it up at your next six-month cleaning.

Getting braces is not anymore a symbol of awkwardness captured forever in high school yearbooks. Getting braces has turned into a fun right of passage for middle schoolers with the introduction of colors, hashtags, etc 

The stigma once associated with adults getting braces has diminished with the advances in orthodontic technology like clear braces aligners. 

Here are a few things you should know before getting braces.

What do you need to know before getting braces?

Braces are not just about the look of the smile.
Braces can help to correct teeth, bite and jaw alignment issues and ultimately improve oral health.

You’ll need to get your dental work done first
Before getting braces, you’ll need to have teeth cleaning and have all other dental work completed. This may include having wisdom teeth removed so they don’t interfere with orthodontic treatment.

Adjustments to diet
It is a good idea to eliminate certain foods from your diet before getting the braces. It takes some time getting used to a brace and trying to change your diet after the braces have been put can be a challenge.
Some of the foods that can be removed from the diet are sticky or gummy food or food that requires heavy chewing. 

Brushing your teeth regularly

Items can easily get stuck between wires and brackets, and brushing will help resolve it easily and keep breath fresh.
Carry a toothbrush and travel-sized paste with you, as well as a gum-safe toothpick. 

Mouthguards for athletes
Mouthguards can prevent potential contact of the braces with the mouth which can result in an injury during sports.

Regular Orthodontist appointments.
Most patients will need to see their orthodontists every 4-6 weeks to ensure treatment is progressing properly and to have adjustments made. 

Mild Pain.
Patients may experience mild pain, especially after initial placement and when wires are tightened. You can work with your dentist to identify suitable pain medication to help with the pain.

It is known that an optimal level of fluoride in water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. The content of Fluoride in water, however, has an impact on a Child’s IQ. 

Quoting an article from the “American Academy of Pediatrics”

Women living in areas with fluoridated tap water had higher mean urinary fluoride levels than those living in areas without fluoridated tap water (0.69 vs 0.40 milligram per liter, or a difference of about 0.30 mg/L). Adjusted results showed that a full 1 milligram per liter increase in maternal urinary fluoride was associated with a 4.5-point lower Performance IQ score in boys. There was no statistically significant association for girls. In the group for which self-reported fluoride intake from all sources was estimated, each additional milligram of daily fluoride intake was linked to a 3.7-point lower IQ score in boys and girls.

The above finding prompted some questions around Fluoride intake during pregnancy. 

Should pregnant women drink fluoridated water?

The answer is YES.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which focuses on the significance of good oral well being during pregnancy, recommends that women use fluoridated toothpaste.

The American Dental Association remains committed to the idea of fluoridation of public water supplies as an effective public health measure to help prevent tooth decay.

The report also stated there was a possible need for some women to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy.

What to conclude from this study?

Fluoridation continues to play an important role in safely preventing dental disease when used within its recommended levels.  Dental disease is widespread, causing millions of lost hours of school each year. Children who experience tooth decay are more likely to have pain that makes it hard for them to eat, sleep, and learn in school. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride’s cavity protection wherever they live, work and play.

What is a Stroke? 

To understand the association between stroke and oral health, one should initially understand what a stroke is and who is at a higher danger of having one. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. Somebody who is encountering a stroke could show some of these physical indications:
           

• Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

Investigations have discovered that patients who have had a stroke mostly had poor oral hygiene practices. 

Understanding Gum Disease

Statistics show that nearly half of the adult population in America is affected by Gum Diseases! Gum disease is preventable and is created from the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. Gum disease has multiple stages and can many times be slowed with proper treatment.

The best way to avoid gum disease is to keep up with good oral health care practices and following your dentist’s recommendations such as brushing twice a day, using floss and mouthwash daily, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups.

Gum Disease and Stroke

There is a significant connection between gum disease and stroke. Gum illness is caused by microscopic organisms in the mouth. These organisms can get in the circulatory system, causing the blood to clot, leading to a stroke.

Gum disease has also been connected to medical conditions such as diabetes, malignant growths, and even Alzheimer’s.

Since numerous Americans are affected by both gum disease and stroke, it’s essential to understand the reasons for it and proactively find ways to control it. Patients who have suffered a stroke may need support in maintaining good oral health care, especially if they have cognitive or physical limitations which prevent them from remembering to complete or performing the tasks properly.

By taking preventive measures against gum disease with good oral care habits, you are also lowering your risk for stroke and several other diseases.