Signs It’s Time to Get Teeth Braces

Have you always felt that the alignment of your teeth is not up to the mark? 

If you answered yes, then you probably have misaligned teeth. In most cases, you will not have an issue consuming your food with imperfect teeth. Things might be concerning when you have problems chewing and speaking. Moreover, you might experience jaw pain. 

All these are tell-tale signs that you need to fix your crooked teeth, as that’s the root cause of these problems. If you neglect these issues, they may worsen later on and prevent you from enjoying your food. Don’t worry, as getting teeth braces will save your day! 

Braces are metal structures worn on the teeth to fix their alignment. If you’re still confused, here are some vital signs you need to get some teeth braces. 

Crooked Teeth

The most common sign that you may need teeth braces is the arrangement of your teeth. Not everyone has supermodel-like teeth, but your teeth must have a basic alignment. If it doesn’t, your teeth won’t look pretty.

Children who have the habit of excessive thumb-sucking usually end up with crooked teeth. The pressure exerted by the thumb on the underdeveloped teeth and gums affects the alignment. Some of the other causes behind crooked teeth include –

  • If the lower or upper jaw is a bit smaller
  • A facial injury that shifted the jaw and displaced some teeth
  • Family history of misaligned teeth and associated problems  

Misaligned teeth can cause other problems, such as gum diseases. This is because it is difficult to brush or clean crooked teeth. As a result, food might be stuck between your teeth, leading to decay and gum problems.

So, if you feel that your crooked teeth are creating moral problems, you can opt for braces.   

Excessive Space between Teeth

Having a little space between your teeth is normal. But if you have too much space between your teeth, it might be uncomfortable. It happens to children and adults mainly due to the following reasons –

  • Your teeth are too small with respect to your jawbone
  • Large-sized labial frenum and gum inflammation
  • Habits like lip sucking, thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
  • Genetics

The problem is not very severe and might not bother you all your life. However, if you feel like it’s affecting your appearance, you can get teeth braces to fix it.

Braces will also help if you’re having problems while brushing and flossing. While flossing, you might be unable to clean your teeth properly due to wide gaps. 

So, seek medical consultation to get braces whenever you are ready.  

Problems in Biting and Chewing 

Is eating and chewing food becoming an everyday hassle? It can be due to the misalignment of your teeth, affecting your natural mouth movement.

Problems in chewing can slowly worsen and might lead to cheek biting. So, you might accidentally bite your cheek while speaking or eating. If this continues happening frequently, you might have cuts and other injuries inside your mouth.

These problems can arise when your top teeth don’t come down properly on the bottom teeth. Poor alignment of your jaw, teeth and gaps between teeth are key factors that disrupt eating.

Children facing these issues might not want to eat their daily meals. That’s why a set of braces can provide the appropriate support to your teeth and fix your chewing effectively.    

Facing Difficulties While Speaking

This problem is a combination of many of the pointers mentioned above. 

For instance, it might have gaps between your crooked teeth. On top of all that, you might have developed the habit of cheek-biting. All these issues will result in you having problems speaking.

It’s because there might be multiple injuries inside the mouth, which hurt even more when you speak. And your crooked teeth may affect your self-image. Then, you may not want to speak at all!

Before these problems affect your social life, consider visiting a dentist for teeth braces. You must not neglect this problem if it’s bothering you daily when you speak.   

Abnormal Jaw Pain

Even if you do not have any alignment issues, your jaw might have a problem.

Are you experiencing frequent jaw pain? Does your mouth ache when you open it or eat something? 

You might also experience stiffness in your jaw. These problems may arise due to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. In addition, it might be caused by a jaw injury, long-term teeth grinding, and arthritis.

Here are some symptoms you need to consider for TMJ problems –

  • Jaw tenderness
  • Facial pain
  • Pain in the region around your ear
  • Clicking or locking sound when you try to chew  

You need to see a doctor if the pain persists and you have difficulty opening and closing your mouth. Besides providing new teeth braces, your dentist might also ask you to consult a TMJ specialist. 

That’s why it’s essential to mention your symptoms and problems clearly during the visit.

Losing Baby Teeth Early 

Many oral problems can arise when a child loses baby teeth too early. Usually, children might lose their teeth six years before it starts growing. If it is too slow, the process occurs too early, and the surrounding teeth won’t be able to handle the gap.

This results in overcrowded and disordered teeth. So, if you lose your baby teeth too early as a child, you might suffer the consequences as an adult. Having poorly shaped teeth, oral gaps, and missing teeth are the most common complications.

These problems may not seem to affect you during childhood but can affect your oral appearance later on. So, getting braces early can prevent further misalignment of teeth and avert associated complications.  

Feeling Uncomfortable While Smiling 

Having dental problems and alignment issues can directly affect your appearance. As your smile might not look very pretty, you may feel uncomfortable while smiling. Your crooked or gapped teeth might leave you feeling slightly embarrassed in public situations.

It is a prevalent problem for people lacking backing a basic dental structure or alignment. An underbite or chipped teeth can create significant difficulties while speaking. All these factors may leave you doubting yourself every time you smile.

If you feel these dental problems affect your self-confidence and mental health, then you need to address them. Opting for teeth braces can provide structural support to your teeth. Wearing them for a specific period will fix your alignment.

At present, there are many types of advanced braces or aligners that look better than traditional braces. Moreover, they will improve your dental appearance, bite, prevent oral injuries, and enhance speech problems.     

Summing Up

So, if you observe all the signs already discussed, visit your dentist at the earliest for braces. Be prepared with questions regarding your dental health and how you wish to look. Also, explain your dental issues.

Based on this information, the dentist will decide the type and shape of braces that will fit you perfectly. Moreover, they might conduct an assessment of your jaw structure, dental health, teeth and bite. The doctor might refer you to an orthodontist for the appropriate treatment.

It’s important to talk about your dental insurance benefits, past medical history and any other doubts regarding the procedure. Further, get to know the oral hygiene strategies after getting braces.

You must also know how to clean and take care of your braces. Know the number of visits and associated details about your teeth braces. Be absolutely sure before making the final call!      

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath

Bad breath has an established clinical term. It’s halitosis. And, for those suffering from it, the condition can cause many dental complications and be a source of embarrassment.

The Colgate-Palmolive company consolidated a few studies around halitosis. The brief review states that 1 in 4 people have bad breath, with nearly 60 million US citizens suffering from chronic halitosis.

Having stated that, it’s easy enough to see that the condition is not a minor dental issue. So, before you learn how to get rid of bad breath, you first need to understand its primary causes.

What are those causes, you ask? Well, continue reading to know more.

What can cause bad breath?

source of bad breath

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Infrequent brushing and flossing contribute to the buildup of oral bacteria, which leads to a foul odor. However, some external sources can compound the issue. Chief among them is the use of tobacco products.

Besides increasing the risk of cancer and gum infections, frequent tobacco usage stains the teeth and causes plaque and tartar buildups. That alone can cause bad breath without even factoring in general cigarette odor.

Garlic and onions are two other contributors here. Still, it’s important to note that both are nutritional powerhouses that contain essential vitamins. Moderating your consumption and following it up with a good rinse would be the ideal way to strike a balance.

Digestive problems or conditions such as pericoronitis and tonsilitis can also be causal factors for halitosis. Additionally, antihistamines (allergy medicine) can dry up saliva, which can naturally resist plaque buildup. 

Consolidating everything, it’s evident that there’s no end to the things that can cause bad breath. The only way to combat it is to establish a strict oral hygiene routine and stick to it. Besides the immediate benefits, you will also develop better oral health over time.

Tips to get rid of bad breath

Outlining and maintaining a good oral hygiene plan takes a little research and a dash of consistency. Consulting a dentist will give you a more comprehensive perspective on the same. However, there are some things you can start doing on your own.

  1. Brush and floss daily

how to get rid of bad breath

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Plaque acids are known to cause bad breath and, if not cleaned for long, can lead to cavities and gingivitis.

So, make brushing and flossing a daily habit. Ideally, you should brush twice and floss at least once a day. If you are particularly concerned about mouth odor, you can brush your teeth thrice daily. However, it’s vital to be gentle while doing it. Brushing too hard can damage your teeth in some cases. 

It would also help if you change your toothbrush once every two to three months. Prolonged usage wears a toothbrush down and renders it ineffective in cleaning your mouth.

  1. Pick the right mouthwash and rinse often

Product packaging is always a factor that influences consumer choice. When it comes to dental care, it’s critical to avoid this.

The next time you’re out buying mouthwash, look for ones with mint or zinc salts. Mint directly fights mouth odor, while zinc reduces the sulfurous compounds usually found in your breath.

Research shows that regularly rinsing with zinc-based solutions can counteract halitosis for up to 6 months.

When choosing a mouthwash, you must ensure that it advocates more than just fresh breath. The solution must also be able to eliminate oral germs. Without that, mouthwashes will only be effective for an hour or two.

Post-meal rinsing with salt and warm water can help as well. Warm salt water balances the acidity levels in your mouth and flushes away any harmful bacteria.

  1. Drink more water and keep your mouth from drying up

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A dry mouth often enables the buildup of plaque. Saliva is the natural defense against this. However, conditions such as xerostomia can reduce the functioning of your salivary glands. You must increase your daily water intake if you face such a condition.

Dentists also recommend chewing sugar-free gums as they stimulate the release of saliva in your mouth. Either way, ensure that you are well hydrated at all times.

  1. Adopt a healthier diet

A protein-rich diet can be more challenging for your body to digest. Consequently, unmetabolized proteins release sulfurous gasses, which build up and cause recurrent instances of oral odor.

The same goes for coffee. When roasted, coffee beans produce sulfurous compounds, which can lead to halitosis. Sugar is another offender here. Harmful oral bacteria use sugar to produce particular acids that can cause bad breath. 

It would be best if you adopted a more balanced diet to manage all of that better. Include more fruits, vegetables, and herbs in your meals. For instance, fresh parsley and basil can deodorize and counteract the symptoms of sulfur compounds. 

  1. Use a tongue cleaner

tongue cleaner for bad breath

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The tongue, specifically the back end, plays host to significant concentrations of bacteria. Regularly cleaning that area while brushing can help mitigate any foul odor. 

You can also invest in a good tongue cleaner to make the process easier. Note that applying excessive force while cleaning your tongue can damage it. It’d be best to consult your dentist before opting for such an accessory.

If you get one, ensure that you are gentle while you clean your tongue.

What else do you need to know?

Multiple home remedies can help with bad breath. Some of them include:

  • Chewing fresh or roasted anise and fennel seeds
  • Consuming pineapple or oranges

 

Some homemade remedies include rinsing with baking soda or vinegar solutions. While they may be effective as a short-term method, consistent use of such solutions can damage your tooth enamel.

Before employing any DIY remedies, you must cross-reference everything with a medical expert.

Wrapping up

Contrary to popular belief, clean teeth do not necessarily indicate good oral hygiene. Bad breath, gum infections, and tooth decay are inter-linked oral issues that you can easily avoid with a comprehensive dental care routine.

Additionally, regularly consulting a dentist will help you manage chronic oral conditions. You can then plan a more effective routine and incorporate any prescribed medication.  

After all, your smile is precious to you. There’s no reason it should stop being so.

 

Reference Links:

https://www.scottedwardsdds.com/causes-of-bad-breath-and-underlying-reasons/

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/get-rid-bad-breath

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2016/february/causes-of-bad-breath

https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-bad-breath#causes

https://www.medicinenet.com/how_can_i_permanently_get_rid_of_bad_breath/article.htm

History of Queen Anne Neighborhood in Seattle

History of Queen Anne Neighborhood in Seattle

 

Renowned for its vintage architecture style and elevated hilly neighborhood, Queen Anne never ceases to mesmerize new visitors.

The residential area sits at an elevation of 456 feet, highlighting the steep slope of Seattle’s highest hill. This marvelous highlight of Queen Anne provides a unique identity to this urban settlement.

However, the famous Queen Anne Hill isn’t just a regular geological formation. In fact, there is an intriguing history associated with this quiet yet constantly improving settlement.

This blog walks through the fascinating story of Queen Anne, located in Seattle, Washington.

The Discovery of Queen Anne Hill

Queen Anne formed around 13,500 years ago due to the melting of the Vashon glacier. Surrounded by water from all sides, the hill became a preferred destination for settlers, thanks to its strong interconnectivity.

Around the mid-1800s, the Denny Party, a group of American pioneers, filed a claim to this hill. In 1853, Mr. Denny claimed a stake of 320 acres of land.

In the subsequent years, another pioneer settler, Thomas Mercer, established his claim to the north of the Denny region. This area was known as Eden Hill. However, the thick forest covering and steep slopes made it difficult to carry out activities like farming, so the development of the area was slow.

The 1875 Catalyst

In 1875, a massive hurricane flattened several trees in the dense hilly area. As a result, settlers found the region highly appealing for a progressive settlement.

Over the next decade, the economy flourished due to three main reasons:

  • Timber
  • Coal
  • Real estate

Settlers built their houses based on a unique architectural style called Queen Anne. The sheer dominance of these homes was the reason for the hill’s new name, Queen Anne Hill.

The Various Phases of Queen Anne’s History

Predominantly, Queen Anne transformed into an active suburban area due to its historical phases. Here are the various sections of its historical development:

Table: Queen Anne Historical Phases (source)

Approximate Era Phase
1853 – 1869 Pioneer Settlement
1870 – 1889 Queen Anne Town
1890 – 1916 Economic progress
1917 – 1930 Enhancement of neighborhood
1931 – 1945 The Great Depression and World War II
Beyond 1946 Modern age

Steep Progress of Queen Anne Neighborhood

Queen Anne residents have been highly active in various facets of activities like:

  • Municipal improvements
  • Community activism
  • Urban development projects
  • Robust transportation

In the mid-20th century, construction projects like the Aurora and Queen Anne Boulevard Bridge encouraged the use of automobiles.

Furthermore, some of the following events proved instrumental in developing the Queen Anne community:

  • The installation of an anti-aircraft gun during World War II
  • Seattle World’s Fair in 1962
  • The construction of the famous Seattle Center and its iconic Space Needle

Overall, the Queen Anne neighborhood prospered into a prime attraction due to its active community, robust infrastructure, and connectivity.

Queen Anne Neighborhood Today

Fast-forward to today’s era; the Queen Anne neighborhood has become a safe and vibrant area in Seattle. The easily accessible public transportation, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and parks are highlights of the area.

In addition to the recreational amenities, hospitals, educational institutes, and dental clinics offer remarkable services to the residents.

The vintage 1800s Queen Anne-style mansions are still a major attraction in the northern sections of the hill. In addition, access to Puget Sound and Lake Union is a testament to its phenomenal waterfront lifestyle.

Wrapping Up

Over the years, the Queen Anne neighborhood has proved to be an outstanding example of continuous progress. The turning point of its development was the 1875 hurricane that helped flatten the thick forest.

Since then, the Queen Anne neighborhood has adapted to various challenges. Being a hilly neighborhood with good transportation, this region continues to function as a crucial facet of Seattle, Washington.

If you are looking for Dentist in Queen Anne or in general Seattle area, pls contact our local dental office Pure Dental arts