BOYS AND MEN are, on average, 20% less likely to brush their teeth twice a day, and they’re even less likely than girls and women to replace old toothbrushes. The good news is this problem is easy to fix. Brushing should be part of every morning and nighttime routine (and flossing should be included in the latter as well).
OUR UPPER AND lower teeth function best when they fit together in a specific way. This is what makes it possible to chew our food effectively and speak clearly, among other things. If our teeth’s positions stop them from fitting together correctly, we call that a malocclusion or a “bad bite.” Numerous problems can come from uncorrected malocclusions, like jaw issues, speech impediments, uneven erosion of the teeth, and even inefficient digestion.
MEN AND WOMEN don’t always face the same dental health challenges, nor do they have the same dental health advantages. The bad news for women is that hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all contribute to oral health issues. It increases the risk of gingivitis and gum inflammation, making brushing and flossing even more crucial. Menopause is also associated with dry mouth and bone loss in the jaw.
SO MANY ADULTS believe the only chance to get a straight smile is by getting braces in high school, but that’s not true! Let’s debunk some of the biggest excuses getting in the way of people enjoying the benefits of having straight teeth:
AN ACCIDENT CAN easily cause problems for braces in between orthodontist appointments. All it takes is one helping of a banned foods list item to pop a bracket loose. Serious orthodontic emergencies need to be dealt with in-office without delay, or they could push back the end of treatment, but minor issues can often be dealt with at home.
THE BEST WAY to get the best possible outcome in any kind of emergency is to have an action plan ready beforehand, so here are some tips to keep in mind for different types of dental emergencies:
THE REASON SUGAR is so dangerous for our oral health is that harmful oral bacteria love eating it as much as we do, and then they excrete acid onto our teeth. Tooth enamel might be the strongest substance in the human body, but even weak acids can erode it, which is why dentists and orthodontists encourage us to avoid sour, sticky, and hard Halloween candy.
ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE not the only people at risk of gum recession, even though that idea is where the expression “long in the tooth” originated. Some people are unlucky enough to be genetically prone to gum recession, but there are several avoidable factors that contribute to gum recession (in kids as well as adults!).
The Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics My Teacher Contest is back! We want to hear all about the incredible teachers making a difference in Erie! Don't miss your chance to give your favorite educator a shout-out and show your appreciation! Enter now for a chance to celebrate your favorite teacher!
THE EARLIEST EFFORTS to change the position of teeth go back as far as 400 BC. Aulus Cornelius Celsus of Rome theorized that teeth could be straightened with manual pressure. Not exactly right, but he got the ball rolling!
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