Understanding TMJ: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a crucial part of your jaw that allows you to perform essential functions like chewing, speaking, and even smiling. When something goes wrong with this joint, it can lead to a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or simply TMJ disorder. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options available to help you better understand TMJ and how to manage it effectively.

Causes of TMJ Disorder:

• Stress: One of the primary culprits behind TMJ disorder is stress. Prolonged stress can cause you to clench or grind your teeth, putting excessive pressure on the TMJ. This continuous strain can lead to inflammation and pain in the jaw joint.
  
  
• Bruxism: Bruxism, which refers to teeth grinding or clenching, can damage the TMJ over time. It often occurs during sleep, and if left untreated, it can worsen TMJ symptoms.
  
  
• Arthritis: Arthritis in the TMJ can result from wear and tear over the years or from autoimmune disorders. This condition can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited jaw movement.
  
  
• Trauma or Injury: A direct blow to the jaw or a significant impact can damage the TMJ, leading to acute or chronic TMJ disorder.
  
  
• Malocclusion: Misaligned teeth or an improper bite can place uneven pressure on the TMJ, causing pain and discomfort.
  
  

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder:

• Jaw Pain: The most common symptom of TMJ disorder is jaw pain, which may be sharp or dull. It is often felt in the joint itself and can radiate to the ears, temples, or neck.
  
  
• Headaches: TMJ disorder can cause tension headaches, especially in the temple region. These headaches can be persistent and sometimes mimic migraines.
  
  
• Clicking or Popping Sounds: Some individuals with TMJ disorder may experience clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they open or close their mouths. These sounds may indicate a displacement of the TMJ disc.
  
  
• Jaw Stiffness: A stiff jaw that makes it difficult to open or close your mouth fully can be a sign of TMJ disorder.
  
  
• Ear Pain: TMJ pain can often be mistaken for ear pain, and some individuals may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
  
  

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder:

• Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress through relaxation techniques and avoiding habits like gum chewing or nail biting can help alleviate TMJ symptoms.
  
  
• Oral Splints or Nightguards: These dental appliances are custom-made to fit your teeth and can help reduce the effects of bruxism and jaw clenching, providing relief.
  
  
• Physical Therapy: Exercises and techniques prescribed by a physical therapist can help improve jaw function and reduce pain.
  
  
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatories may be recommended by your dentist or healthcare provider to manage pain and inflammation.
  
  
• Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the TMJ can provide relief from severe pain and inflammation.
  
  
• Orthodontic Treatment: Correcting bite issues with braces or other orthodontic treatments can help reduce TMJ symptoms.
  
  
• Surgery: In rare and severe cases, surgical interventions like arthrocentesis or open-joint surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged TMJ.

Understanding TMJ disorder, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for anyone experiencing jaw pain or related issues. If you suspect you have TMJ disorder, consult with a dentist or healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific case. With proper care and treatment, most individuals can find relief from TMJ-related discomfort and improve their overall quality of life.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) - Understanding the Pain in Your Jaw

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small but complex joint located in front of the ear, connecting the jawbone to the skull. This joint is responsible for the smooth and pain-free movement of the jaw, allowing you to talk, chew, and yawn. However, when the TMJ becomes damaged or overworked, it can lead to a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Symptoms of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

The symptoms of TMJ can range from mild to severe, and they may include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or around the ear
• A popping or clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth
• Limited movement of the jaw or locking of the jaw in an open or closed position
• Headaches
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Neck and shoulder pain

Causes of TMJ

The exact cause of TMJ is not well understood, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of factors, including:

• Arthritis
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Stress
• Dislocation of the disc between the jawbone and the skull
• Trauma to the jaw or face
• Jaw misalignment
• Diagnosis and Treatment of TMJ

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor or dentist. They may refer you to a specialist, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a physical therapist, for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment for TMJ will depend on the underlying cause of the condition and the severity of symptoms. In some cases, simple self-care measures, such as avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing stress management techniques, and applying ice to the jaw, may be enough to relieve symptoms.

In more severe cases, treatment may include:

• Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or pain relievers
• Physical therapy, including exercises to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles
• Splints or mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding and clenching
• Surgery, in rare cases
• Preventing TMJ

While it is not possible to prevent TMJ entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition or worsening existing symptoms. These may include:

• Avoiding hard or chewy foods
• Practicing stress management techniques
• Avoiding activities that put excessive stress on the jaw, such as excessive gum chewing or nail biting
• Wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth grinding
• Practicing good posture and avoiding slouching

In conclusion, TMJ can be a painful and disruptive condition, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people are able to manage their symptoms and live a full, active life. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for you.

How cosmetic dentistry can improve your social life: Tips for networking and dating with a new smile

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of teeth and gums. While it primarily addresses aesthetic concerns, it can also have positive effects on a person's social life. Here are some tips for networking and dating with a new smile:

• Be confident: Confidence is key when it comes to socializing. When you feel good about your smile, you'll radiate confidence, making it easier to strike up conversations and make connections.
  
  
• Smile often: People are naturally drawn to those who smile, as it conveys warmth and approachability. When you have a smile you're proud of, you'll naturally want to show it off more often.
  
  
• Maintain good oral hygiene: A beautiful smile isn't just about how it looks, but also how it feels and smells. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups to keep your smile healthy and fresh.
  
  
• Practice good communication skills: Having a new smile may give you a boost of confidence, but it's important to remember that it's not the only factor in making connections with others. Practicing good communication skills, such as active listening and clear speaking, will help you build meaningful relationships.
  
  
• Be yourself: While a new smile can enhance your appearance, it's important to remember that true connections are made based on personality, values, and interests. Don't be afraid to be yourself and let your personality shine through.

Cosmetic dentistry can have a positive impact on your social life by boosting your confidence and improving your overall appearance. By following these tips, you can make the most of your new smile and build meaningful connections with others.

Different types of dentist and how they help your oral care

While many people see dentists as the single group of people who look after the health of your teeth and mouth, there are various specialist categories that help you in different ways.

The categorization of a dentist will depend on their education, training and experience.

Here are some of the main specialist areas of dentistry:

• Endodontics: Concerned with the dental pulp – the part in the center of a tooth made up of living soft tissue and cells and root canal therapy
  
  
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: This deals with the identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions
  
  
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Deals with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region
  
  
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the tissues including extractions, facial surgery and implants
  
  
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics: Mainly deals with diagnosis, prevention and treatment of misaligned teeth and modification of midface and mandibular growth
  
  
• Pediatric Dentistry: Provides preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence.
  
  
• Periodontics: Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues. Most periodontist place implants
  
  
• Prosthodontics: Diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues. Includes dentures, bridges and the restoration of implants.

Plus, of course, general dentists provide everyday care and many specialist services to maintain your oral health.

What will it be like living with dentures?

People who are new to wearing dentures naturally have many questions about how their life will change.

New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place.

During this time, it’s not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases.

As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish.

Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be noticeable. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face and profile.

Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet.

Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells.

Initially you may also find that wearing dentures changes how you speak. Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. If your dentures “click” while you’re talking, speak more slowly.

You may find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile.

After your dentures are fitted, you’ll have a few follow-up appointments with your dentist to take care of any initial issues and to answer any questions you have.

Diagnosing jaw problems and pains – TMD and TMJ

More than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain.

Common symptoms can include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth or even head and neck aches.

There are two joints and several jaw muscles which make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow.

These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ’s.

The TM joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side of the head, these joints work together and can make many different movements, including a combination of rotating and gliding action when chewing and speaking.

Several muscles help open and close the mouth. They control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward, and side-to-side.

Both TM joints are involved in these movements. Each TM joint has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and perform rotating and translocational movements.

Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

If you are suffering from this type of pain, your dentist can help identify its source with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays.

Often, the problem is a sinus or toothache or it could be an early stage of periodontal disease.

But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed.

The pain could be related to the facial muscles, the jaw or temporomandibular joint, located in the front of the ear.

Treatments for this pain may include stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding.
They’ve been successful for many and your dentist can recommend which is best for you.

Nitrous Oxide: A Safe and Effective Sedation Method for Dental Procedures

If you feel anxious or fearful about going to the dentist, you are not alone. Many people experience dental anxiety, which can make it difficult to receive necessary dental care. Fortunately, there are safe and effective sedation methods that can help you relax and feel more comfortable during your dental visit. One such method is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.

Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. It is a mild sedative that can help you feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is a popular choice for patients of all ages because it is safe, fast-acting, and wears off quickly once the gas supply is stopped.

One of the benefits of nitrous oxide is that it can be adjusted to your individual needs. The level of sedation can be increased or decreased throughout the procedure, depending on how you are feeling. This allows your dentist to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed at all times.

Nitrous oxide is also safe for most people. It has been used in dentistry for over 150 years and has a proven safety record. It is non-addictive and does not leave you feeling groggy or disoriented after the procedure. In fact, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off so quickly that you can usually drive yourself home from the appointment.

If you are interested in nitrous oxide sedation for your dental procedure, talk to your dentist. They can help you determine if it is the right choice for you and explain the process in more detail. With nitrous oxide, you can have a more comfortable and stress-free dental experience.

Holistic approaches to treating TMJ disorders

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a common problem that can cause pain, discomfort, and limited mobility in the jaw. Holistic dentistry offers a range of natural approaches to treating TMJ disorders that focus on addressing the root cause of the problem and promoting overall wellness.

One holistic approach to treating TMJ disorders is through craniosacral therapy. This gentle therapy involves applying gentle pressure to certain points on the head, neck, and jaw to release tension and restore balance to the craniosacral system. This can help alleviate pain and discomfort in the jaw, as well as improve overall relaxation and wellbeing.

Another holistic approach to treating TMJ disorders is through acupuncture. This traditional Chinese medicine practice involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to restore balance and promote healing. Acupuncture can help relieve pain and inflammation in the jaw, as well as improve overall energy flow and wellbeing.

Holistic dentists may also recommend dietary changes and nutritional supplements to support TMJ healing. For example, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Supplements such as magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids can also support healthy joint function and reduce inflammation.

Finally, holistic dentists may recommend stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or yoga to help alleviate TMJ-related tension and improve overall wellbeing.

Holistic dentistry offers a range of natural approaches to treating TMJ disorders. By addressing the root cause of the problem and promoting overall wellness, holistic dentists can help patients achieve optimal TMJ health and wellbeing.

Why to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance

When buying dental products, it’s a good idea to look out for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

The first Seal of Acceptance was awarded in 1931 and it’s regarded as an important symbol of a dental product’s safety and effectiveness.

Although the Seal program is strictly voluntary, approximately 100 companies participate in it and they commit significant resources to testing their products in clinical and laboratory conditions.

More than 300 consumer dental products carry the Seal of Acceptance. These include toothpaste, dental floss, manual and electric toothbrushes, mouth rinse and chewing gum.

You can get more information about the seal and how it is awarded for specific products at http://www.ada.org/ada/seal/

This site also contains links to the most current lists of accepted consumer products.

Why is family dentistry important?

Family dentistry is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps in early detection and prevention of dental problems. Regular dental check-ups can catch potential issues before they become more severe, saving you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. Secondly, a family dentist can create a personalized treatment plan for each family member, taking into account their unique needs, lifestyle, and dental history. Finally, by establishing a relationship with one dentist, the whole family can receive consistent and continuous dental care, leading to better oral health outcomes.

What services does a family dentist offer?

A family dentist can provide a range of dental services, including:

• Regular check-ups and cleanings
• Dental X-rays
• Fillings and extractions
• Crowns and bridges
• Dentures and partial dentures
• Orthodontic treatments
• Emergency dental care
• Root canal therapy

In addition to these traditional dental services, many family dentists also offer cosmetic dental procedures, such as teeth whitening and veneers, to help enhance their patients' smiles.

How braces help both children and adults

Crowded or crooked teeth – known as malocclusion – not only spoil your smile, they also increase your risk of dental health problems.

Corrective procedures and appliances such as braces straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment.

Malocclusions are often noticed around ages 6 – 12, when the adult teeth begin to erupt.

The process of straightening out teeth, known as orthodontic treatment, often begins between ages 8 and 14. The best results are obtained when a child begins treatment while they are still growing.

This means it’s a good idea for a child to have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, they have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth.

It’s possible for braces to work later and even in adults but there are many advantages in starting as soon as possible.

Your dentist will be able to spot problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth early on, while the primary teeth are present.

That’s why regular dental examinations are important.

For adults, it’s not too late to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw position or jaw-joint disorders. The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age.

The difference is that adult treatment takes a little longer than a child’s treatment. As an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone.

But, whatever your age, it’s never too late to improve your dental health and improve your smile.

How sugar in your diet affects your teeth

The sugar content in the food you eat has a big effect on your teeth and gums.

When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay.

Thats why drinking sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks can take a toll on teeth.

This is particularly true for children as their eating patterns and food choices affect how quickly they develop tooth decay.

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. However, almost all foods, including milk or vegetables, have some type of sugar. Many of them also contain important nutrients that are an important part in our diet.

To help control the amount of sugar you consume, read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Soft drinks, candy, cookies and pastries often contain added sugars.

The keys to keeping your mouth healthy

A healthy mouth is a good indication of your overall health and helps you to keep a great smile and continue eating what you want for many years to come.

There are a few steps you can take to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible:

•  Brush your teeth twice a day using a good quality toothbrush
•  Renew your toothbrush regularly. It will only keep your mouth healthy if the brush is in good condition and the bristles are strong. You should replace it at least every three or four months
•  Clean between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere and bacteria can linger between the teeth so it’s important to clean between them every day using floss or an interdental cleaner
•  Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and oral examinations

Your dentist will be able to give you tips on what other products you should consider to help improve your oral health.

For example, antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes can reduce the germs in your mouth and reduce the risk of gum disease.

Also, fluoride mouth rinses can help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Studies have shown that using mouth rinses provides valuable protection over and above that provided by fluoride toothpaste alone.

Look out for the ADA seal when buying toothbrushes and other dental products. This is a sign that the product has met American Dental Association standards for safety and effectiveness.

Following these steps can help ensure that you continue to enjoy great oral health.

How to make your smile brighter

Your smile makes a huge difference to what people think about you and how you feel about yourself.

And there are many options available to help you improve the look and brightness of your smile, including:

In-office bleaching: During chair-side bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

At-home bleaching: There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. These include peroxide bleaching solutions, which actually bleach the tooth enamel. Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard.

Whitening toothpastes: All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes include special chemical or polishing agents that are more effective at removing stains. However, unlike bleaches, they don’t alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

Start by speaking to your dentist. He or she will tell you if whitening procedures would be effective for you as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration.

How mouth protectors can save your teeth

If you take part in sports that carry a significant risk of injury, you should wear a mouth protector.

Accidents can happen during any physical activity and, if you participate in sports such as football, hockey, basketball, baseball, gymnastics and volleyball, you might be grateful for the extra protection one day.

Something as simple as a misdirected elbow in a game, or a spill off a bicycle, can leave you with chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss.

Mouth protectors usually cover the upper teeth and they can cushion the effect of a blow to the face, reducing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth.

In addition, if you wear dental appliances such as braces on your lower jaw, your dentist may suggest a mouth protector for these teeth as well.

A properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe. The three main types of mouth protectors are:

Stock: These are inexpensive and come ready to wear. But they often don’t fit very well and they can be bulky making breathing and talking difficult.

Boil and bite: These can also be bought at many sport stores and may fit better than stock mouth protectors. You first soften them in water, then insert them and allow them to adapt to the shape of your mouth.

Custom-fitted: Protectors that are specially made for you by your dentist are more expensive but are likely to fit better than one you buy off the shelf.

Choosing to wear the right mouth protector can help you avoid serious long-term damage to your teeth and mouth.

What dentists are doing to improve services for older adults

As people are living longer and enjoying good health for many years, dentists are increasingly offering improved services to recognize the special needs of older adults.

This growing segment of the population is wearing fewer dentures and they are keeping their natural teeth longer. They are also concerned to maintain good health and a great smile for many years.

However, patients in this group sometimes require special consideration because reduced mobility and dexterity may make daily oral hygiene difficult.

And certain medical conditions and impairment may make them more anxious when visiting the dentist.

For example, problems with vision or hearing loss may cause worry. Always let the dentist and staff know if you have any concerns so that they can adjust their treatment and their pace to meet your needs.

Older patients can sometimes put up with problems such as toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking dentures because they are not aware of the wide range of treatments and techniques now available.

Dentists are increasingly sensitive to the special needs of and the importance of dental health in the older patient.

As many older patients are more health conscious than ever before, regular visits to the dentist ensure their oral health is an important part of their overall health.

How cosmetic dentistry can change your smile – and your life

Modern cosmetic dentistry has created many opportunities that did not exist before for people to improve their appearance and change the way they feel about themselves.

Although cosmetic dentistry really did not exist a few years ago, it now attracts interest from a wide range of people.

There are few people who don’t want to improve their appearance by making their teeth straighter and whiter so that they look better when they smile.

New technology and procedures have created many more opportunities for dentists to help patients look better.

One of the most important opportunities for doing this is porcelain veneers.

These are custom-made wafers that the dentist places over the front of the teeth to repair damage and make them look better.

They can overcome many cosmetic dental problems such as whitening stained or discolored teeth, closing gaps between teeth or correcting a crooked smile without the need for braces.

They can also cover up chips and imperfections so that the smile looks much better.

Another important cosmetic trend is the increased use of white fillings.

White fillings now are more lifelike than ever and they last longer than previously.

They have become the material of choice for many dentists as they blend in with teeth and look better.

If you feel your smile is less than perfect, talk to your dentist about how it could be better.

Diabetes and your dental health: How your diet can affect your teeth

When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may create problems that lead to an increased risk of tooth decay.

Your teeth are covered with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. After you eat food that contains sugars or starches, the bacteria react with these sugars to release acids that attack tooth enamel. This can cause the enamel to break down and may eventually result in cavities.

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner helps remove decay-causing plaque.

Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden into calculus, or tartar. When tartar collects above the gumline, it becomes more difficult to clean thoroughly between teeth. This can lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth.

Because diabetes reduces the bodys resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues likely to be affected.
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. Patients with inadequate blood sugar control appear to develop periodontal disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than those who have good control of their diabetes.

Because of the lower resistance and longer healing process, periodontal diseases often appear to be more frequent and more severe among persons with diabetes.

You can help reduce these risks through good maintenance of blood sugar levels, a well-balanced diet, good oral care at home and regular dental checkups.

Understanding your wisdom teeth

Many patients ask whether wisdom teeth are really necessary since so many people have them removed.

The fact is that wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned.

However, problems can occur that sometimes make it better to have them removed.

For example, when the jaw isn’t large enough, the wisdom teeth can become impacted – misaligned or unable to grow in properly. They may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

The reasons wisdom teeth may have to be extracted include:
– The teeth have only partially erupted. This leaves an opening for bacteria which cause infection.
– There is a chance the wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
– A cyst forms which may destroy surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.

Ask your dentist about the health and positioning of your wisdom teeth.

Your dentist will tell you if there are any issues and will recommend any steps needed.

How smoking affects your teeth

While the general effects of smoking on your health are well-known, it can also have significant effects on your oral health.

Here are some of the ways smoking can harm your oral health and hygiene:

– Oral Cancer
– Periodontal (gum) disease
– Delayed healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery
– Bad breath
– Stained teeth and tongue
– Diminished sense of taste and smell

Research suggests that smoking may be responsible for almost 75% of adult gum disease.

Tobacco products damage your gum tissue by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. One effect is receding gums which expose the tooth roots and increase your risk of tooth decay or to sensitivity to hot and cold in these unprotected areas.

Cigar smoking is equally a major risk and even smokeless tobacco products contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer. Smokeless tobacco can also irritate your gum tissue.

Giving up smoking will provide a significant boost to your oral health as well as giving you the chance to live longer.