Problems associated with wisdom teeth
Posted on | February 18, 2011 | Comments Off
Most of us have grown up with some myths which are passed down from our parents or grandparents and are accepted by us in a way that they are difficult to be removed from our lives. One of such myths is that the wisdom molar (the third molar), is related to wisdom or intelligence. So, its removal may lead to the loss of wisdom or intelligence in the person concerned.
The reality, however, is that wisdom tooth usually erupts when a person is between 17 and 21 years of age, thought to be an age when he or she is getting ‘wiser’. Otherwise, it has no relation with intelligence or wisdom of a person.
The wisdom molars are the ones that can cause maximum problems while they are erupting in the oral cavity. Most common of these problems are as follows:
Impacted teeth: Due to the process of evolution and change in diet from raw uncooked food to soft and cooked food habits, the jaws are progressively becoming short in length and wisdom teeth erupt. As they are the last ones to erupt in the oral cavity, sometimes they do not get enough space in the jaw for their eruption. Therefore, they may not erupt and get locked against the adjacent teeth. These are then called impacted teeth.
Pericoronitis: If the wisdom molar has not erupted completely, part of the gum overlying the wisdom molar acts as a pocket. Then whatever the patient eats gets stuck inside the pocket or around the tooth. Due to the lack of proper cleaning in that area, gum infection takes place, swelling the gums surrounding the crown of the tooth (pericoronal flap). There is severe pain and sometimes the patient is not even able to open one’s mouth completely. Such pain may be radiated towards the ear or the head on that side and may appear as headache. This condition is called pericoronitis.
Pain can also occur because of the gum which is covering wisdom molar (which is not erupted completely) and gets sandwiched or lacerated between the upper and lower third molars leading to pain on biting.
The wisdom molar may be placed at an angle with the tooth anterior to it which results in an improper contact. In this position, food lodgement occurs easily between the second molar and the wisdom molar, which can also lead to the decay of the wisdom molar as well as the second molar which is placed just anterior to it.
The upper wisdom molar, if buccally erupted, may cause ulceration in the cheeks. In rare cases, this may lead to cancer.
Cysts may develop around the wisdom molar.
Treatment
Treatment varies with the position of the wisdom molar in the oral cavity, whether it is erupted or not.
The problems caused by the wisdom molar, which can erupts fully later in the oral cavity in proper position, can be treated by deeply cleaning the pocket formed (or the gum margin around the tooth) and with medication or by the removal of the gum covering the tooth by surgery, if required.
The wisdom molar, which has no chance of eruption in proper position and can cause trouble to the patient, must be removed as early as possible. That is the best thing we can do about the wisdom molars.
San Jose Dentist – Dr Sandhu
http://www.californiashinedental.com
Tags: San Jose Dentist > Wisdom teeth extraction
Oral Hygiene – Is your brush right for your teeth?
Posted on | February 16, 2011 | Comments Off
You’ve probably noticed that toothbrushes have different bristle firmness ratings – soft, medium, and hard. This tells you how firm the bristles are and how much pressure they put on your teeth and gums when you brush. It also makes it more confusing when you select a toothbrush. Which is a better – a soft or hard toothbrush?
A Soft Toothbrush is Best for Most People.
Many well-meaning toothbrush shoppers reach for toothbrushes with firmer bristles believing they’ll do a better job of cleaning their pearly whites. When they pull the hard toothbrush out of the package, they brush with the enthusiasm of a person who’s determined to remove every last stain from a very dirty floor.
The problem is all of that brushing causes gum irritation and aggravates sensitive teeth. Not only does brushing with a hard toothbrush cause gum irritation, it can cause gums to recede over time.
In a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers found that subjects who used hard toothbrushes had more gum recession than soft toothbrush users, and the effects were magnified by frequent brushing. Brushing your teeth several times a day with a hard toothbrush could cause your gums to recede prematurely – leading to gum irritation and sensitivity.
Soft or Hard Toothbrush: Does a Using a Hard Toothbrush Erode Tooth Enamel?
Most studies show that whether you use a soft or hard toothbrush doesn’t have a major impact on the health of your tooth enamel. Using a hard toothbrush accelerates erosion of tooth enamel only slightly more than a soft one. A bigger cause of enamel erosion is drinking acidic fruit juices and carbonated beverages. Loss of tooth enamel is also more common in people who don’t produce enough saliva and people who take medications that dry the mouth.
Choosing a Soft or Hard Toothbrush: The Bottom Line?
Choose a soft toothbrush – and save the medium and hard bristled brushes you have in your cabinet to clean hard-to-reach spots in your home. A soft toothbrush gets the job done without gum irritation or contributing to receding gums. Always look for a soft toothbrush that has the American Dental Association seal of approval. This ensures you’re getting a high-quality toothbrush without jagged edges that can irritate delicate gums. Buy the right brush – and use it faithfully – twice a day.
References:
DynamicDental Oct 2010
J Periodontol. 1993 Sep;64(9):900-5.
Caries Research.Vol. 42, No. 4, 2008.
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