Dentists Journal

Top Ten Stories of the Week
10/26/2024

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Why You Might Still Have Tooth Pain after Root Canal

After a root canal, it’s common to experience pain for about three to five days following the procedure. However, if the pain persists for longer than that, it could be a sign that there was a complication during the procedure, or that something else is going on that’s causing the pain. There are many reasons why you may experience tooth pain after root canal, and today we’ll talk about what they are and what you can do about them.

Pain After Root Canal: The Dentist Could Have Used Too Much Filling

When a root canal is performed, the dentist will remove infected pulp from inside the tooth and scrape the canal to ensure there is no leftover bacteria or damaged pulp. Once the canal is clean, the dentist will insert a filling to seal the tooth. When too much filling is used, it can make your tooth sit tall in your mouth and cause pain when you bite.

What to do: For a tall tooth, go back to the dentist to have some of the excess filling removed so your tooth can sit normally in your mouth again.

Pain After Root Canal: There May Still Be Bacteria Present Inside the Tooth

Root canals are designed to remedy tooth pain caused by infected pulp, where bacteria in the mouth cause the infections. If any bacteria get left behind or accidentally pushed into the root, bone, or surrounding tissue, then this can create lasting pain while the infection persists.

What to do: In most cases, your body will be able to fight the infection on its own, especially after the dead nerves and pulp is removed (because the bacteria have nowhere to hide). However, it’s best to talk to your dentist, because antibiotics may be required to help the healing process, and in rare cases, if the tooth has cracked, a full extraction may be required.

Pain After Root Canal: Damage or Inflammation

Even experienced dentists can sometimes cause damage or swelling to the surrounding tissues during a root canal, and when this happens, it can cause pain after root canal that lasts longer than the typical five days. Similarly, the initial infection may have caused inflammation around the infection site, leading to additional pain.

What to do: Pain from damage and swelling will generally resolve on its own when the damage heals and the swelling goes down.

Pain After Root Canal: A Canal or Nerve May Have Been Missed

When a root canal is performed, sometimes the tooth has multiple canals, and if the dentist misses a canal or doesn’t remove all the damaged nerves, then the original pain will persist even after the procedure is completed.

What to do: Book a follow-up with your dentist or a new dentist as soon as possible because a more comprehensive root canal will have to be performed to remove all the pulp or the remaining nerve.

Generally speaking, root canals are a very effective treatment for tooth pain that’s caused by infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth. When the procedure is successful, the pain will disappear within three to five days. However, if the pain continues longer than that, it’s good to know the potential causes so you can decide when you should contact Dr. Caye for a follow-up to stop pain after root canal.

(10/18/2024)
by Premier Dental

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Tips During a Dental Emergency

Accidents can occur wherever you are and at any time of day. It can surprise you when you have work to complete or on an important day because it is so unpredictable.

Understanding what to do in a dental emergency can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth.

In order to handle emergencies with the best possible conclusion in mind, you should read on to learn some important information and dental emergency recommendations.

Remain calm and do not panic

Panicking only taints your judgement and almost certainly leads to further harm. Keep calm and consider what needs to be done specifically to address the situation.

Know basic first aid

Different situations call for various first aid measures. You should bear the following in mind in case it does:

Tooth fracture caused by trauma

Accidents that result in a hit to the face are likely to fracture some teeth and inflict minor tooth damage. To get rid of bacteria, rinse the mouth with warm salt water. then immediately schedule an emergency dental visit.

If the area is bleeding, apply direct pressure to control it until you are able to reach your emergency dentist in Guildford.

Accidental tooth extraction

With sudden tooth removal, remove debris and try to return the tooth back in its socket. This will help your Guildford emergency dentist preserve the tooth.

But if this is not possible, put the tooth in milk and bring it to the dentist so they can try to put it back.

Lockjaw

Although it is not as common as other dental traumas, it can nevertheless be a frightening event. Lockjaw is characterised by difficulty closing the mouth because of tense muscles.

The goal of first aid is to relax the muscles by the application of warm compresses and and taking medications like Ibuprofen.

(10/18/2024)
by Woodbridge Hill Dental Practice

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What Is an Overbite? How Does it Happen? What Can You do About it?

Countless people have some degree of overbite which negatively impacts their appearance and self-esteem. What exactly causes this common problem, and how can it be corrected? Here’s what you should know about the causes, complications and treatments for a malocclusion (improper alignment).

What Causes an Overbite?

A type of malocclusion, an overbite occurs when a person’s upper teeth protrude out farther than their lower teeth. In many instances, they may also have crooked teeth, but this isn’t always the case.

In the vast majority of cases, overbites are caused by genetic traits inherited from parents. That said, it can also occur due to behavioral habits during infancy, including thumb-sucking, overuse of pacifiers or sucking too often from a bottle. Older kids, teens and adults can develop overbites from grinding their teeth, chewing on pencils or biting their nails. A person may also develop a malocclusion when they lose a tooth and fail to seek proper treatment. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) has also been known to cause bite problems.

Overbite Treatments

The most common overbite treatment is orthodontics. After examining your mouth, the orthodontist will usually take x-rays and impressions to better understand the alignment of the lower and upper jaws. Dental braces are then typically used to straighten teeth and align the jaw. Other appliances may also be used, depending on how much of an overbite there is.

You may need elastic bands or similar appliances to slowly force the jaw into proper alignment over a period of two or more years. During this time, you will need to schedule monthly adjustments to keep your treatment on the right track. 

If you have a severe overbite where the lower and upper jaws are different sizes, your orthodontist may need to perform a tooth extraction to help the problem. In certain instances, removing a couple of bicuspids from the upper jaw can be a more affordable, convenient alternative to jaw surgery.

What if You Don’t Get Treatment

Most people seek treatment for overbites because they are worried about the appearance of their face and smile. That said, sometimes overbites can make it hard for people to brush and floss properly, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, costly dental treatments and potential tooth loss. Overbites can also cause jaw pain, headaches and toothaches in certain people. 

By getting treatment you can significantly improve the appearance of your face and smile, while reducing your risk of potentially serious dental problems down the line.

(10/20/2024)
by SmileKeepers Dental

More Information: https://www.interdent.com/smilekeepers/resources/what-is-an-overbite-how-does-it-happen-what-can-you-do-about-it/


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Common Causes of Bleeding Gums

Noticing blood in your mouth can be concerning. You may wonder if it’s an oral health issue, or if you injured the soft tissue inside of your mouth.  Dr. Ben Johnson at Johnson Family Dental in Paducah is here to help our patients understand the causes of bleeding gums. Read on to discover possible reasons why your gums bleed.

Your Toothbrush

If you’re experiencing bleeding after you brush your teeth, you may be brushing too hard. The bristles of your toothbrush could also be too hard for your sensitive gum tissue. Both could lead to bleeding.

Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush more gently, avoiding vigorous sawing motions. You could also start using an electric toothbrush instead of a manual toothbrush. A good electric toothbrush has a safety feature that stops the brushing if you apply too much pressure. Keep in mind that if you’re brushing too hard or using too hard of a toothbrush, you could also be damaging the enamel of your teeth.

Gum Disease

Plaque build-up along your gumline will cause gingivitis. Gingivitis means your gums are irritated. This condition is characterized by inflammation, tenderness, redness, and bleeding. You can often reverse the problem by improving your oral health habits. Be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes each time, floss at least once a day, flossing regularly, visit us every six months for a cleaning, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid tobacco products.

If gingivitis worsens, it leads to a gum infection called periodontitis that requires professional treatment. Your gums pull away from your teeth, forming pockets. These bacteria-filled pockets will harm the portion of your teeth under the gumline and can even damage your jawbone.

Other Causes of Bleeding Gums

While the most common cause of bleeding gums is plaque, bleeding gums could also be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, hormonal changes, a bleeding disorder, or a side effect of a blood thinner.

Schedule Your Next Cleaning & Checkup!

Untreated gum disease leads to pain, tooth loss, and bone loss. If you experience bleeding gums that are chronically swollen, tender, and abnormally red, schedule a visit to our office to receive a thorough oral health evaluation and teeth cleaning. With routine visits, we can help determine if there is a different underlying cause of your bleeding gums.

(10/21/2024)
by Johnson Family Dental PLLC

More Information: https://www.johnsondentalpaducah.com/2020/05/09/common-causes-of-bleeding-gums/


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What to Expect After a Dental Bone Graft

Discover how long to heal after tooth extraction and bone graft and how to speed up the bone graft healing process from our dental implant specialists.

If you have been told that you need a bone graft before you can have dental implants, you may be understandably feeling a little bit concerned about the procedure. However, it is worth noting that many patients who receive bone grafts do not feel any pain at all during the healing process as long as they take their antibiotics properly and visit their dentist for regular check-ups. 

If you do feel any pain or discomfort in the days after surgery, your dentist can prescribe you pain medication so that you are more comfortable. However, it is worth noting that pain medication can make you feel groggy and slow down your reflexes, so you should not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking it. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. 

How long to heal after tooth extraction and bone graft?

Before we discuss exactly how long it takes to recover from dental bone graft surgery, it is first important to know why it is needed. When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath the tooth starts to lose density if the missing tooth is not replaced quickly enough. This is because the tooth root that stimulated bone growth has been removed. If you undergo dental implant surgery shortly after you lose a tooth, usually a bone graft is not needed.  However, if you do not have enough bone mass to support the implant, you will require bone grafting before the implant procedure. 

The exact recovery period will be dependent on a number of factors, including the type of surgery you require, as well as your age, your current oral health, and your overall physical health. However, as a general rule, the recovery time for bone grafting procedures falls somewhere between two weeks and two months. 

If you are getting full dental implants, you will have to wait until the bone graft has fully fused with the bones that are already in your mouth before you can go ahead with dental implant surgery.  

How can I speed up the bone graft healing process?

Although you cannot actively speed up the bone grafting healing process, there are steps that you can take to care for your mouth after surgery and to reduce your risk of complications such as an infection, bleeding, or a blood clot. 

Reduce swelling

Dental bone graft surgery is highly likely to cause your face to swell up. However, there are ways that you can actively reduce the swelling. You can start by applying ice to the affected area for the first two days following your surgery. This process stops the blood from flowing into the gum tissues, minimizing bleeding and helping your mouth to heal properly. 

Change your diet

You will need to make quite drastic changes to your diet after you have undergone a bone grafting procedure. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may be advised to only drink cold liquids for the first few days before moving on to soft foods such as mashed potatoes and pureed fruit. 

You should avoid eating any food that requires chewing and especially foods that are crunchy, sharp, or hard for at least two weeks to protect your gum tissues and avoid any bleeding. 

Do not use straws after your surgery, as the sucking motion can dislodge the graft. 

Sleep on your back 

After surgery, you should be advised to sleep on your back, with your head elevated and propped up on a pillow. This is to prevent blood from pooling at the bone graft site and to minimize inflammation.

If you struggle to stay sleeping on your back, at least try to avoid sleeping on the side where the bone graft took place.  

Avoid strenuous physical activity

At least for the first few days after surgery, you should avoid any strenuous physical activity as this could disturb the healing process. As you start to feel better, you can gradually start to take part in your usual activities again. 

Complete your antibiotics 

Your dentist should prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent an infection from occurring. It is crucial that you finish taking all your medication as a failure to do so can increase your risk of developing an infection. 

Practice good oral hygiene

If you want to help the healing process, good oral hygiene is essential. You should brush your teeth gently around the surgical site and avoid using an electric toothbrush as the vibration can be detrimental to the overall healing process. 

If you need further advice about how to practice good oral hygiene, our first-rate dentist Asheville NC can tell you everything you need to know to keep your teeth and gums in optimum condition. 

Do not smoke 

Smoking has been proven to increase the chance of bone graft failure, so if you smoke, you should try to stop, or at the very least cut back, while you are recovering from this type of surgery. 

 

What are the signs of dental bone graft failure?

Although this is uncommon, it is always a good idea to know the signs that your dental bone grafting procedure may have failed. One of the most vital aspects of this dental procedure is in ensuring that the area of the bone graft is completely cleaned out and all the inflamed tissue is removed before proceeding. If this does not happen, an infection can occur, which may lead your body to reject the graft. 

Other common causes of failure include:

 

Poor blood supply 

Poor physical health 

An allergic reaction 

Tissue damage 

Autoimmune disorders 

(10/19/2024)
by Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry

More Information: https://bafdentistry.com/blogs/news/what-to-expect-after-a-dental-bone-graft-useful-advice


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Haven’t Been to the Dentists in Years? Here’s What to Expect

When modern life gets hectic, many people put off important issues that can come back to haunt them down the road. If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, it’s a great time to rededicate yourself to maintaining your oral health, so you can prevent tooth loss and other serious oral issues. Here’s what to expect when you find yourself in the dentist chair again.

Gum bleeding

When the dental hygienist begins flossing your teeth, your gums are likely to bleed. While this may be a bit unnerving, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a problem. Many times, gums bleed when they are not used to the pressure of floss, as it moves between teeth. You can reduce the chances of bleeding by regularly flossing your own teeth at home.

Extended cleaning

If you haven’t been to the dentist in some time, you will probably have a significant amount of plaque on the surfaces of your teeth. For this reason, it may take some time for the hygienist to professionally clean each tooth.

Dental x-rays

Your dentist will need to take a series of x-rays to make sure there aren’t any underlying problems hidden out of sight. Hopefully, you will have old x-rays on file, which can help provide a comparison. If not, your dentist can use your new x-rays to create an oral health history to provide guidance future appointments.

Comprehensive oral examination

After the hygienist has thoroughly cleaned your teeth, your dentist will carefully inspect for cavities or signs of periodontal disease. He or she may also look for signs of oral cancer. If you haven’t been to the dentist in several years, there’s a good chance you may have one or two cavities that require attention.

An in-depth discussion about what’s next

Once your dentist has fully examined your teeth and gums, he or she will talk to you about the next steps. In some cases, this conversation may be limited to recommendations for maintaining good oral health. On the other hand, your dentist may need to recommend that you make a follow-up appointment for a filling or more complex procedure.

Before leaving the office, you should schedule a follow-up appointment in six months, even if you have no cavities. By getting bi-annual cleanings, you can reduce the risk of tooth loss and oral health problems, which can seriously impact your quality of life down the road.

(10/19/2024)
by SmileKeepers Dental

More Information: https://www.interdent.com/smilekeepers/resources/havent-been-to-dentist-in-years/


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The Connection Between Dentists and Doctors

Dentists and doctors have more in common than supplemental schooling and white coats. Between oral and overall health, your body works as a system. Oftentimes 1 health issue can cross over to these 2 professions. Though dentists are trained in teeth, oral health issues can signal serious systemic illnesses. How dentists can help doctors detect a diagnosis:

 

Diabetes and Gum Disease

14% of New Mexico’s population has diabetes. Those with the disease are at high risk for developing gum disease. And it’s a 2-way street. Gum disease makes it hard to control blood sugar levels, which can compromise overall health. And because symptoms are sometimes subtle, diabetes can go unnoticed for years. The mouth offers clear-cut signals of the disease, and your dentist is trained to spot these warning signs.

If you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic, take control of your oral health. Diabetics with gum disease who receive appropriate dental care are healthier and often experience a reduction in blood glucose levels.

HPV and Oral Cancer

Genital HPV, human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. and world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s estimated that 90% of adults have been exposed to some form of the disease. Every sexually active person is at risk for contracting HPV. And HPV can cause oral cancer.

Your dentist is often your first line of defense when it comes to spotting oral cancer. He or she will check for signs during a routine exam. In addition to practicing safe sex, it’s important to stay on top of your preventive care visits with your doctor AND dentist.

Heart Disease and Gum Disease

In fact, researchers recently discovered a link between oral bacteria and heart disease. Rather than judging gum disease severity through inflammation and bleeding, dentists can now identify specific types of bacteria present in the mouth. This gives them the ability to detect a patient’s probability for heart complications.

Reduce your risk for heart disease! Keep your teeth healthy, exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.

Dentists and doctors may be different, but they can both make a positive impact on your overall health.

(10/21/2024)
by Delta Dental

More Information: https://blog.deltadentalnm.com/2017/06/connection-dentists-doctors/


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Three Signs You Need to See Your Dentist Soon

You may be brushing and flossing regularly, but that doesn’t mean you are completely free from dental problems. It’s important to keep up with all of your dental appointments to ensure good health. Here are some of the signs you need to visit your dentist right away:

1.- A chronic toothache

It’s tough to ignore a toothache. You will find yourself calling a number you got from an online search when you type the phrase “dentist near me in Indianapolis“. However, the pain may subside after taking some pain relievers. This should not be a reason to ignore that visit to your dentist. The pain may be gone, but the cause of the pain could still be there.

2.- Persistent bad breath

Bad breath will not only make you uncomfortable; it will also have a devastating effect on your self-esteem. You have been brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using the most recommended toothpaste. But, still, the bad breath is still haunting you.

If this sounds like you, then you need to book an appointment with your dentist soon. This is because the bad breath could be a sign of a bigger underlying dental and health issue that requires urgent care. It could be tooth decay, gum disease, or any other illness.

3.- Bleeding or sore gums

You may notice some blood when brushing and this could be caused by brushing too hard. Or, it could be that you are starting a flossing routine. But when this becomes regular, you need to see a dentist near you. This could be a sign of gingivitis, which when detected early, is completely curable. This also applies if you notice that you have sore and inflamed gums.

For you to have and maintain a good oral health, you should have regular visits to your dentist. This will not only help in detecting the problems early, but it will ensure that you have the right treatments before the problem escalates. If you notice any of the above signs, kindly give your dentist a visit.

(10/22/2024)
by Emma Richards

More Information: https://medical-bulletin.com/3-signs-you-need-to-see-your-dentist-soon/


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Sore throat and Swollen glands - Causes and Treatment

Sore throat is usually aggravated by an inflammatory process that involves the tissues of the larynx, pharynx, and tonsils. The condition usually is accompanied by the swelling of the glands/ lymph nodes. Minor sore throat would only last up to three days. Other symptoms include coughing and colds.

On the other hand, severe sore throat would last for more than 3 days that is sometimes accompanied by tonsillitis. People would eventually experience these conditions in their lives but others are just unfortunate enough to have this annually. The swelling of the glands would indicate an infectious process is currently underway with the sore throat.

The affected person would experience discomfort or pain in course of the problem. Additional symptoms are redness in the throat area, swollen tonsils, fever, head ache, swollen lymph nodes, neck stiffness and the patient will have difficulty in swallowing food or drinks.

Causes

The cause of sore throat can be classified as either bacterial or viral. The transmission of these causative agents can be through sharing of drinks, kissing, coughing, and nose blowing in the public and sneezing. To sum them all up, the bacteria or virus can be transmitted through a droplet form. The spreading of these agents is so easy especially when a person is immuno-compromised.

Viral sore throats are the majority type of sore throat infection that is accompanied by colds and flu-like symptoms. This presents danger to the infected. But viral infections are known to last for a few days as our body’s defenses do its roles. However, a weak immune system worsens the condition and causes the virus to linger longer in the body. Bacterial sore throat can cause inflammations that results to a deeper problem compared to viral sore throat. Streptococcal bacteria are a common cause for sore throat. This can complicate to tonsillitis or ear infections. The inflammation can then proceed to our glands causing it to be inflamed. The nodes would feel tender upon palpation. A grave complication that can arise from a bacterial sore throat is rheumatic fever. This is a form of cardiac problem that is common to the young.

A sore throat can also be acquired through our lifestyle practices. People who are chain smokers are very familiar with this malady. Triggering factors such as pollutants and changes of the weather (abrupt changes) are just some of the culprits for sore throat. Allergic reactions can irritate the throat. Others reported that singers are common victims for a sore throat swollen gland. Since there is overuse of the vocal cords that can precipitate the development of the condition.

Treatment

Determining the cause and presenting symptoms of sore throat is essential in order to provide the appropriate treatment for the patient. It is treated medically with pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Those patients who experience flu-like symptoms are provided with nasal decongestants such as Sudafed. Clogged nose is treated with nasal sprays. Cough syrups are to be provided to patients who develops cough. In short, the presenting symptoms should be treated and given attention. To relieve the inflammation, especially the swelling of the lymph nodes, the use of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is needed. The use of aspirin should be with precautions, particularly to children. Viral sore throats are not necessarily treated for they can only last for a few days. A virus is self-limiting but can be transmitted very fast. Bacterial sore throat is to be treated with prescribed antibiotics. Strict adherence to the treatment regimen should be followed by the patient to avoid drug resistance.

Home management is done in order to lessen the worsening of the condition sore throat swollen glands. Gargling solution of a pinch of salt and an antiseptic liquid in a large glass of warm water is a helpful home remedy. This can be done 3 to 4 times a day to help reduce the swelling and provide comfort to the patient. A humidifier or steam inhalation can be good tools in relieving a clogged nose, doing this twice or thrice a day can save you the money and effort. Throat lozenges are famous sore throat relievers for years now. This can reduce the soreness and the discomfort the patient experiences during the problem. Hydration is very helpful in the treatment process. This can reduce fever if ever one is experiencing it. The use of antipyretic drugs along drinking lots of water can really help in reducing increasing body temperature of the affected.

The need to avoid triggering factors can assist in the recovery process. Avoid smoking is a must-do. Avoid overuse of the vocal cords as much as possible. When you know that someone close by has a viral or bacterial sore throat, defend oneself and be vigilant at all times. Avoid irritants for it can trigger an inflammatory process thus making one susceptible for sore throat.

(10/22/2024)
by Hubpages

More Information: https://discover.hubpages.com/health/sore-throat-and-swollen-glands


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Should Your Teeth Touch When Resting And Mewing?

You’re probably checking if your teeth are touching right now while your mouth is closed. If it is, you’re not alone. Most of us tend to lock our jaws when we close our mouths. 

‍This makes the top teeth and bottom teeth touch each other.

But, is this the proper position of the teeth? 

‍It’s vital to maintain the natural resting position of the teeth when the mouth is closed. A continuous improper rest position of the teeth can lead to numerous issues including teeth misalignment, gum problems, headaches, muscle pain, and jaw pain.

In this post, you’ll learn how your teeth should rest, and what to do if you have teeth misalignment (your teeth not resting properly).

What Is a Natural Teeth Resting Position?

Your teeth shouldn’t be touching when your mouth is closed. This may come as a surprise, but except when you’re chewing or swallowing, your teeth shouldn’t touch. If you have noticed, when you smile, laugh, talk, or scream, your teeth don’t touch each other. 

‍It should be the same when your mouth is closed.

What does it mean for teeth to be resting?

When your mouth is closed and your jaw at rest, your teeth should be resting too without touching or clenched together. There should be a freeway space between both the top and bottom teeth. This is the natural resting position of the teeth.‍

To assess if your teeth are resting properly, you should also consider the following.

The position of your lips. Your lips should be relaxed, not clenched or forced to close.  If you’re forcing your lips to close, your teeth may be misaligned.

The resting position of your tongue. The tip of your tongue should touch the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth

If you feel pain or discomfort. There should be no force or clenching efforts.

Where does the tongue naturally rest?

The natural resting position of the tongue is being pressed to the roof of your mouth. The tip of your tongue should as well be touching the roof, not your teeth. Your tongue should be sitting behind your front teeth, but not touching it. 

Any other position is not the natural rest position for the tongue.

When your tongue is resting naturally like this, it’s easy for your teeth to rest properly.‍

Furthermore, you should also check your jaw – whether you’re not clenching it. There are a lot of causes of jaw clenching, including: 

Anxiety and stress. The most common cause

Sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnoea 

Taking certain medicines, including a type of antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) ‍

While it may not seem like a big deal, it can lead to teeth misalignment – and prevent you from getting the results you desire.

Make sure to avoid clenching your jaw muscles, instead, keep it loose and relaxed.

What’s so Bad About Letting Your Teeth Always Touch?

Your jaw is already working hard when you talk, smile, laugh, or chew. When your mouth is at rest, this is an opportunity for your jaw to relax, and take some pressure off. 

‍So, if you’re letting your teeth touch even while your mouth is closed, you are putting additional pressure on your jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. This can have damaging consequences on your teeth and jaw health over time.

Tooth Issues

If your teeth always touch, it can lead to excessive tooth wear, including:

Flattened molars

Chipped teeth

Short-looking front teeth‍

You might also experience localized pain and gum issues. 

Gum Issues

 

Gum issues such as receding gum may arise if your teeth are always touching, clenched, or ground together. As your gums recede, it may lead to loose teeth and eventually tooth loss. 

You might also notice that your gums are red, swollen, or inflamed.

Jaw Issues

If your teeth touch when your mouth is closed, it means you’re clenching your jaw. 

‍By doing this, you put pressure on the jaw joint, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. 

Types of Teeth Misalignment

Your teeth are misaligned when it’s not resting naturally as it should be. Teeth clenching, grinding, and TMJ are all contributing factors for teeth misalignment.

‍Different types of misalignment can occur:

Open bite: This is when your top and bottom teeth don’t meet when the jaw is closed 

Crossbite: This happens when your top teeth fit inside your bottom teeth

Overbite: Your top teeth extend over your bottom teeth

Underbite: Your bottom teeth extend over your top teeth

Deep bite: Your top teeth cover your bottom teeth excessively

Overjet: Your front teeth extend forward over your bottom teeth at an angle

Crowding: This occurs when the space of your mouth is too small for your teeth, so your teeth are packed together or crowded

Spacing: This occurs when your teeth have too much space

Effects of Misaligned Teeth

When your teeth are misaligned, you may experience difficulties in chewing food properly depending on the type of bite problem. Additionally, it may be difficult to clean the teeth. This can result in cavities and gum diseases.

Teeth misalignment can also ruin your facial appearance… 

‍For instance, if you have an overbite, it’ll be difficult to close your lips without force or clenching them. This can lead to feelings of insecurity or lack of confidence. Speaking difficulty can also arise as a result of misaligned teeth. A lisp or a functional speech disorder can make it difficult to pronounce one or more consonant sounds.

‍It’s best to find treatment for teeth misalignment quickly to prevent further complications and improve your oral health, and overall well-being.

How Can I Align My Teeth in the Right Resting Position?

To align your teeth in the right resting position, your teeth have to be in the natural rest state. This includes:

Your lips are together, not forced or clenched

Your tongue pressed to the roof of the mouth, right behind your front teeth, but not touching them

Your teeth are slightly apart, not clenched or ground together.

‍When your teeth are aligned properly like this, you’ll have a perfect bite, which involves these 3 areas.

The front: When your teeth are clenched together, both front teeth at the top and bottom are resting on each other.

The Side: From the side, your teeth should sit on each other, so they lock easily. The top teeth should sit on the outside of the bottom teeth

The arch: When your mouth is open, the top teeth or bottom are lined up against each other with no spacing in between.

Natural Treatment for Teeth Misalignment

‍Mewing is a technique that helps to place the tongue in its natural resting place — the roof of the mouth and behind the front teeth, but not touching. The goal of mewing is to correct teeth misalignment and give a more chiseled jawline and facial appearance. 

‍If you have a bad bite or misaligned teeth, mewing is a safer alternative to surgery. 

‍When done consistently and properly, it helps correct your teeth' alignment and gives you a better facial appearance. But mewing can be difficult, especially if you’re a total beginner and don’t know how to mew. 

Your Bite Changes When Your Teeth Shift

Understand that whenever your teeth shift, your bite changes. 

‍Your bite is simply how your top and bottom teeth come together, as we have seen in previous sections of this blog. If your teeth move into an improper position, your bite will change, and in turn, will result in teeth, gum, and jaw issues.

‍When your teeth are aligned properly, you’ll have a perfect bite, a good facial appearance, and great oral health. 

‍Mewing can help your teeth shift to the proper position, and therefore change your bite favorably. 

Conclusion 

Natural teeth resting position is essential to prevent teeth misalignment and fix misaligned teeth. When your teeth are in a natural rest position, there’s space in between when your mouth is closed. Your teeth shouldn’t be clenched or ground together when your jaw is at rest.

‍One way of helping your teeth get into a natural position is by putting the tongue in its natural position. Which is at the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth.

‍Mewing is the natural position of the tongue and can help fix teeth misalignment, and give you a more sculpted facial appearance when done correctly. With a comprehensive list of mewing techniques and exercises in our Mewing App, you can restore alignment to your teeth, get a perfect bite, and boost your confidence.

(10/23/2024)
by Natalya Zhuravskaya, MD

More Information: https://www.mewing.app/blog/should-your-teeth-touch-when-resting-mewing


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