Month: June 2021

Many of us, at times, dwell on the arbitrary notions of beauty and begin to probe at our physical features. This potentially dangerous journey of interrogation can have several entry points; for some, it may be the skin; for others, it may be the eyes, and for the rest, it may be their smile. As per hearsay, a dazzling smile with a set of perfect teeth is the best accessory. But, unfortunately, not everyone is ‘divinely ordained’ with such flawlessness, especially in terms of dental aesthetics. The contemporary airbrushed media bombards us with images of celebrities and influencers who possess an immaculate and almost ethereal sense of beauty. Their smile is worth a million dollars, and their pin-straight teeth are worth even more, literally. The perfection fed to us is often backed by a dental intervention that has an exorbitant price. Some professional treatments may be worth more than the yearly salary of an average American worker.

Nonetheless, it is imperative to rise above such glossy presentations and pinch ourselves for reality. Imperfection is the norm, and many of us have malformed teeth, misaligned or discolored. Nonetheless, a typical issue that affects dental aesthetics is big front teeth. Let us try to dig deeper and find out why the front two teeth of some people are disproportionately large.

The reasons why you may have disproportionately large front teeth

If a person has teeth that are more than two standard deviations more prominent than the average for their age and gender, they are known to suffer from a condition called macrodontia. Approximately 1.9 percent of people, globally, deal with macrodontia. The typical and visible sign that a person has macrodontia is two front teeth that are disproportionately large. At times, the two teeth grow together, forming an extra-large tooth.

1. Although, no definitive causes of macrodontia have yet been discovered. Statistical evidence shows that people with macrodontia have abnormally large pituitary glands, and they also experience magnification of other features on one side of their face. Furthermore, it is seen that males and Asians are more likely to suffer from the problem.
2. There is no single causative factor of macrodontia. On the contrary, several factors like genes and environmental conditions may result in the situation. As per researchers, genetic mutations that steady the growth of teeth may induce abnormal enlargement. These genetic mutations may also compel the teeth to grow together or prevent the growth from stopping. 
3. Childhood also plays a vital role in determining if a person will have large front teeth when they grow up. Factors like diet, exposure to toxins or radiation, or other environmental conditions may increase the likelihood of suffering from macrodontia in adulthood. 
4. Hormonal imbalance is another ostensible cause of macrodontia. Specific genetic conditions associated with macrodontia are also linked to hormonal imbalances.

Teeth shaving, teeth removal, braces, veneers, and headgears are some of the ways to effectively deal with the two front teeth that are large. 

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Have you ever noticed a fuzzy white layer on your teeth, especially in the morning before brushing? That sticky coating is the dental plaque that is a biofilm of microbes, especially bacteria and fungi that thrive on the habitable ecosystem of the mouth. Dental plaque is colorless and thus appears white. But, when plaque accumulates for a more extended period, it hardens to form tartar with a pale yellowish or brownish tint. It is noteworthy to mention that dental plaque comprises varied types of bacteria such as leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, etc., and they are a part of the natural composition of our mouth. 80-90 percent of the dental plaque’s content is water, followed by dry weight of bacteria that accounts for 70 percent of the weight.

Causes of Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is formed when the mouth’s bacteria mix with sugars, starch, and other food products that we consume. After that, the bacteria secrete acids that break down the carbohydrates in foods and drinks. After some time, bacteria, acids, and carbohydrates combine to form a sticky, ostensibly white layer called plaque. It is essential to highlight that plaque on its own is not harmful. But, the accumulation and hardening of plaque can be lethal for our dental health. Dental plaque usually collects between teeth gaps, behind the teeth, in front of the teeth, chewing surfaces, or below the gumline. Chronic bad breath and gums that are always swollen and red are typical symptoms of plaque accumulation. Thus, it is imperative to brush thoroughly to remove the boifilm and prohibit it from hardening. You can also utilize an electric toothbrush for better cleaning and reach; otherwise, inaccessible corners of your mouth.

Problems Associated with Dental Plaque 

The most common problem associated with dental plaque is gingivitis. It is an inflammatory lesion that causes redness, puffiness, and bleeding of gums. Gingivitis is a reversible condition as it can be removed easily by dentists. But, if left untreated, gingivitis may progress into a severe oral complication known as periodontitis. It is essential to point out that gingivitis is a precautionary condition to avert thee graver periodontitis.

Periodontitis is an infection of gum that leads to bone destruction around the teeth in the jaw. The problem of periodontitis can be solved by religiously following a strict oral hygiene regimen, professional cleaning, and a surgical process debridement done by dentists. In addition to being a nuisance, periodontitis is also related to other diseases in the human body. Because of the onset of periodontitis, the accumulated bacteria may get access to other distant parts of the body via the circulatory and respiratory mechanisms.

Another oral condition that is related to dental plaque is dental caries. It is an infectious disease marked by acid demineralization of the enamel, which wears down the enamel. 

The problems related to dental plaque are better prevented than treated. Thus, maintaining an immaculate oral hygiene routine that encapsulates brushing, flossing and mouthwash is the optimal way to keep any dental issues at bay.

Book ApWhat is the white stuff on my teeth?pointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Despite its simplicity, many people find it challenging to maintain an appropriate dental hygiene regimen. In addition to negligence, time constraints, monotony issues, lifestyle, and dietary habits play a critical part in setting back oral hygiene goals. Several potential culprits rob our teeth and gums of their ‘natural’ vigor, from coffee to red wine to cigarettes. Studies reveal that regularly drinking coffee and red wine leads to extrinsic teeth stains and discoloration. Another ‘popular’ consumption trend that has come under the radar of dentists and dental hygienists is vaping. So, let us try and find an answer to the looming question of whether vaping affects teeth or is it just an unscrupulous grapevine? 

The Basics of Vaping

Vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes. The process involves a vaping device that produces an aerosol byproduct from hating up a liquid that consists of flavors, additives, and other mild chemicals. The motivation behind including these ostensibly ‘mild’ ingredients is to tone down the harshness of the vaping process and make it safer than smoking cigarettes. The liquid heated up in the vaping device may be nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs that are delivered to the user through a mouthpiece inhaled into the lungs and exhaled via the nose or mouth. 

Alternately known as electronic cigarettes, vape is considered a healthier alternative to traditional smoking. But, the reality is far grimmer. As per official data, the use of e-cigarettes by high school and middle school students has increased the percentage of the overall consumption of tobacco by 38 percent among high school students and 29 percent among middle school students. Moreover, 9 percent of US adults state that they vape ‘regularly’ or ‘occasionally.’

Does Vaping Affect Dental Health?

In addition to being detrimental to overall health, vaping also adversely affects dental health. Some of the common problems associated with vaping are:

1. Dry mouth is the most typical issue related to vaping. Research reveals that propylene glycol – a compound used as a base in liquid e-cigarettes or vapes-can dry the mouth. Some of the consequent problems that a dry mouth can cause are mouth sores, bad breath, tooth decay, and so forth.
2. Throat irritation is another condition related to the regular use of vapes and e-cigarettes. Studies illustrate that vapers are more likely to suffer from throat and mouth infections vis-à-vis non-vapers. 
3. Cell death is a critical issue that is analogous to consistent vaping. E-cigarettes and vapes can cause inflammation and damage the DNA inside the mouth, forcing cells to lose their ability to reproduce and multiply. The pertinent issues that ensue cell death are tooth decay, dry mouth, bone loss, tooth loss, etc.
4. Vaping has also been linked to excessive bacteria formation in the mouth. This is because the aerosol used in vaping is constantly in contact with the teeth, triggering more bacteria growth and accumulation. We all know that unrestrained bacterial genesis inside the mouth can cause plaque, periodontitis, tooth decay, or caries. 

Vaping is not a clean alternative to smoking. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid certain substances like nicotine, menthol, and propylene glycol as vape liquids.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.