dental care Archives - Serendipity Mommy

How Your Wisdom Teeth Can Cause You Problems

January 9, 2021 by Mandy

Many people develop their wisdom teeth with no problems, while others experience problems with their which means they need to be extracted. There is a stigma about wisdom teeth, but they are not always painful, and if you are coming to the age where they are starting to push through, you will want to know what you can expect. Below are the things to expect when your wisdom teeth begin to break through, and potential problems to what to look out for as they develop.

Problems Caused By Wisdom Teeth

There are various problems that your wisdom teeth can cause, and these can be painful and highly uncomfortable. The tooth can only partly break through the gums and not fully push out due to a lack of room, which can cause the gum to grow over the tooth. They can also grow in crooked or in the wrong direction, and cysts can form which may get infected and even cause the jaw to lock. Your jaw may be too crowded for all the teeth in your mouth, which can cause problems when the wisdom teeth try and push through into your mouth and they become impacted.

Symptoms Of Problematic Wisdom Teeth

There are warning signs that you may have problems with your wisdom teeth if you know what to look for. When you notice them, you will want to visit your dentist as soon as you can. You may experience pain and stiffness in your jaw when moving your mouth, and you may also notice swelling in your mouth and gums. If your mouth is too crowded, you may also have difficulties cleaning your teeth correctly, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. You may also find that the tooth grows in at an awkward angle, and it catches on your gums, cheek, or tongue, which can cause pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you will want to look at wisdom tooth removal and costs in Sydney, or wherever you live and speak to your local dentist immediately.

What Will Your Dentist Do?

When you visit your dentist with problems with one of your wisdom teeth, the first thing that they will do is x-ray your mouth so they can look at the alignment of your teeth. They will be able to see the angle that the tooth is growing in at and see if it is going to have to be removed or not. If you have an infection, they will be able to prescribe antibiotics to help clear this up and give you advice on how to deal with the discomfort, such as rinsing your mouth with warm salty water and using an icepack.

In the worst-case scenario, you may need to have your tooth removed, and this may lead to having more than one of your wisdom teeth taken out, even if the others are healthy. The reason for this is that if you take one wisdom tooth out, the opposite one on the other jaw will start biting down on your gum where the tooth was. Over time, it can cause discomfort and lead to problems, so it is best to take both teeth out.

How Are Dental Braces Repaired?

November 15, 2020 by Mandy

We all know that dental braces are used to straighten teeth that are growing in such a way to make the teeth crooked and uneven and they have come a long way since the traditional steel wire braces. We now have Invisalign clear plastic aligners that do the same job as wire braces, yet they can be removed when eating and what’s more, they are virtually invisible when worn.

Replacing Teeth Aligners

When you have your teeth straightened with Invisalign aligners, the dentist would replace the device every few months, changing the pressure that is exerted on specific teeth. In a typical 2-year course, the device might be changed 4-5 times, depending on the severity of the misalignment and in the event your aligner broke for any reason, dentists can make a replacement without a problem.

Ceramic or Wire Braces

It is possible that a bracket comes loose, in which case you should schedule a dental appointment as soon as is practically possible, especially if there is wire protruding, which could easily cut your lip or gums. This would be a minor task for any experienced dentists in Sydney or near you who have all the tools and equipment needed to repair the braces and to leave it for a period of time is never a good idea, as this could lead to incorrect pressure exerted on your teeth that might undo all the good work of the previous months.

Benefits Of Clear Plastic Aligners

There are many advantages for having Invisalign as opposed to the traditional wire braces, which include the following:

Can be removed when eating.
Are invisible when worn.
Easy to keep clean.
Easy to replace.

Many people mistakenly think that teeth alignment is strictly for teenagers, when in fact, people of all ages enjoy the benefits of a nicer smile, which really boosts your self-confidence. If you would like to learn more about aligners, make an appointment with your local dentist who can examine you to determine whether or not the treatment is suitable.

Emergency Situations

It is easy for braces to break while being worn and should this happen, you should make an appointment to see the dentist who fitted the braces and he or she can quickly carry out repairs, or create a replacement, whichever is easiest for the dentist. The dental expert would tell you how to take the best care of your orthodontic device when it is first fitted and he or she would ask you to make another appointment in a few weeks, to check that the device is doing its job.

If you would like a straighter smile, search online for a nearby dentist that specialises in orthodontics and he or she can carry out an oral examination to determine what can be done to straighten your teeth. If you are suitable for Invisalign, this is much preferred to traditional wire braces, for the above reasons, as well as the fact that a plastic aligner is less likely to malfunction.

Online Meetings: Having a Beautiful Smile More Is Important Than Ever

October 16, 2020 by Mandy

You’ve heard of the freshman 15, but how about 2020’s introduction of the quarantine 15? The concept is easy to understand — we’re all stuck at home, which means we’re less concerned about how we look.

Despite that, a beautiful smile isn’t something to take for granted. If your oral health is suffering, then others are sure to notice. Even if you’re at home full-time now, there are still reasons to keep up your appearances.

Learn why your smile will be crucial for the ‘new normal’ period and how to keep it beautiful below.

The ‘New Normal’ is Virtual

No one wants to get sick, especially during a worldwide pandemic. To prevent the spread of illness, more people have turned to the virtual realm. Here are a few activities that are now relegated to the web:

Shopping for non-essential items
Work-related meetings
School work
Family gatherings

In a nutshell, the ‘new normal’ is virtual. Activities that used to happen in-person are now conducted on the web. That means we’ve all been suffering some form of social isolation. Despite that, you’ve likely still interacted over video chat.

When you’re on a video chat, your appearances bear even more meaning. Why’s that? Learn more below.

How People Perceive Your Smile

The way you smile changes other people’s perception of you. If you often hide your teeth, that might make others subconsciously suspicious of you. On the other side, a big smile exudes confidence and trust.

Due to the virtual new normal, your smile has a bigger impact than ever. People can’t look to other visual cues to decode your personality. Instead, they’ll go with their first impression.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry a Good Option?

Are you feeling less-than-happy with your smile? Do you have specific grievances about the appearance of your teeth?

If so, then you should learn about your options when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. There are countless ways to improve your oral health, which will help your smile shine bright. Here are a few of the most common (and affordable) procedures:

Teeth whitening
Tooth shaping
Dental caps (to preserve your tooth and boost your tooth’s appearance)
Dental bonding (to fill cracks, gaps, or misshapen teeth)
Dental veneers (to replace missing teeth)
Gum contouring (to improve your gum’s appearance)

Your smile means a lot to you, so you should feel the same way about your children. If you’re interested in learning more about your child’s dental options, read this post.

A Beautiful Smile Will Take You Far

A beautiful smile is more than an appearance issue. Others immediately judge you based on your smile, and that’s even more true during this ‘new normal.’ If you want to get your confidence back, then it’s time to consider cosmetic dentistry options.

Are you looking for more tips to help you be the best working mom you can be? If so, then you’re in the right place! Keep browsing through our blog to get the best mommy-related content on the web.

When Is it Time For a Toddler Dentist Visit? 5 Signs to Keep an Eye On

September 16, 2020 by Mandy

Experts recommend bringing your child to the dentist by about age two, or shortly after.

Getting x-rays and learning about oral health at a young age has shown to decrease cavities later on in life.

If you want to ensure that your child’s teeth are growing correctly and healthy, you will want to see a professional. But when?

Continue reading to discover when you need to take your child in for a dentist visit!

1. Loose Teeth

When your child begins losing teeth, you should make consider making an appointment with the dentist.

Typically, this is a normal thing for growing children as they get their adult teeth. If your child has a loose tooth and is experiencing pain, however, you will need to seek help from a professional.

It is normal for there to be a discomfort when a child loses a tooth. Just watch for signs of pain to ensure that an infection is not occurring.

2. Constant Aches

Has your toddler been a bit moodier and complaining about pain?

Aches and pains that don’t seem to go away may be a sign the dentist visit is required. Cold and hot foods can help you determine if there is tooth sensitivity, but it causes a sharp tingling sensation.

If your child has thoroughly brushed their teeth and is feeling the pain for more than a day, you should make an appointment.

3. Color Changes

It can be difficult to distinguish what cavities look like in toddlers, but color changes are a red flag to watch out for.

If your child’s teeth are turning to a gray or black color, you will want to see a professional. These colors often signify that the tooth is dying. Sometimes genetics can play a role in dental health. Make sure you talk to your child’s dentist about any recurring or serious conditions you may have experienced.

4. Bleeding Gums

Gum sensitivity often leads to bleeding gums which can be uncomfortable, especially for toddlers.

Try your best to monitor your child’s gums so that they don’t become inflamed. One of the best ways that your child can avoid bleeding gums and sensitivity is by regularly flossing and brushing.

Bleeding gums is one of the most well-known issues that people experience when they don’t floss. If your child complains of pain, make sure that their gums aren’t bright red.

5. Foul Breath

We all have morning breaths when we roll out of bed but if you notice that your toddler has unusually bad breath, they need a checkup.

Often times when people have oral health issues, they have bad breath. Trapped bacteria is the main culprit for this problem. When brushing teeth and flossing don’t leave a minty freshness, you should get them checked out.

Tooth decay and improper cleaning can quickly be fixed before they get worse!

When Is It Time for a Dentist Visit?

Figuring out the ideal first dentist visit age can be difficult. Fortunately, this guide can help you identify the most common problems.

Tooth decay, swollen gums, and bad breath are common reasons to bring your toddler in for a dentist visit.

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles with parenting tips to keep your children healthy and happy!

What Age Can Kids Get Braces? The Complete Guide

August 24, 2020 by Mandy

Are you wondering when it’s going to be the right time to help your child get the straight teeth that they deserve? What age can kids get braces anyway?

You want your child to have the best possible experience. Getting braces too young won’t work, and if you wait too long your child will be an adult. While there’s nothing wrong with adult braces, it’s best to get it out of the way when they’re younger if it’s possible.

But how do you know when your child is the right age to get braces?

We’re here to talk about it. All kids are different, but we want to give you a general idea of when you should start looking into braces for your child. Keep reading to learn more.

How Young Is Too Young?

Not everyone can get braces. There’s a reason that you don’t see small children with braces (well, several reasons).

To qualify for orthodontic treatment, your child should have all of their adult teeth in place. It’s also helpful if their wisdom teeth have erupted, though this isn’t necessary.

If you choose to get braces for your child before they’ve lost all of their teeth (or even if it’s an accident) you’re going to run into issues. The plan for the treatment is based on the teeth that are already in the mouth. If one gets lost or grows in, a different treatment plan will be necessary.

If your child has traditional braces, the brackets will also serve as a problem.

So What If the Baby Teeth Are Gone?

When your child has all of their adult teeth, they can technically get their braces. That said, you may want to take something else into consideration.

How mature is your child?

Many younger children are irresponsible with their oral health. This is normal; they’re kids. Even as they enter their rebellious pre-teen years, they’re struggling with puberty, responsibility, and new emotions.

You need to gauge the responsibility of your specific child to see if they’re ready for a long-term orthodontic procedure.

A child who doesn’t take good care of their teeth may have trouble keeping them clean with braces. They require a lot of upkeep!

Children who opt for Invisalign may be prone to losing their aligners, or worse, breaking them. It’s also hard to remember to keep the aligners in, especially when they’re painful. It may be harder to remember to brush their teeth after taking them out to eat!

Some children even end up causing harm to their braces in a misguided attempt to remove them at home when they’re frustrated.

Your child needs to be ready for braces. Only you can know for sure how responsible your child is.

Does This Mean We Shouldn’t See an Orthodontist?

So if you don’t feel that your child is ready for braces yet, should you put off seeing the orthodontist until a better time?

Not necessarily.

As your child starts getting all of their “grown-up” teeth, you’ll be able to notice irregularities. If you notice strange spacing, overcrowding, or extreme bite issues, it’s a great idea to take them to the orthodontist (or a dentist that offers braces if there’s someone that they’re comfortable with).

When you do this, the orthodontist can see the issues that are starting to form and develop a treatment plan for the future. They can also help you manage some of the issues now.

Crooked teeth can be bad for overall oral health. Especially for children, it can be difficult to clean in between the crooked teeth if there’s crowding. Bite issues can also cause chipped teeth if they’re severe.

Your orthodontist can help you prepare for these issues ahead of time so that you don’t have to worry. They can also tell you when they think it’s going to be a good time to opt for braces for your child.

What Do We Do When They’re Ready?

When you’re finally in the market for braces for kids, your orthodontist is going to let you know. Because you’ve already acquainted your child to the process, they’re going to be more comfortable with the procedure and voicing any concerns that they have.

Depending on your child’s maturity, they may be able to start before they even hit double digits. This is ideal as long as you know that your child’s oral hygiene will be up to par.

Many older children feel insecure about their braces. When they’re pre-teens and teenagers, other children are mean and they may not receive much kindness at school.

Teenagers tend to be image-conscious, meaning that braces won’t be a welcome addition to their smile even if their teeth aren’t straight. They may see them as embarrassing or childish. They’ll likely regret it when they’re older.

When your child is done with their braces (between 1 and 4 years, usually, though there are outliers), they need to be responsible enough to wear a retainer. For some children this is difficult as it’s an extra thing to remember.

Teeth that don’t have nightly retainers have the habit of moving back into a crooked state. Your child will need to have more work done in the future.

So What Age Can Kids Get Braces? It Depends

A child is technically ready for braces when they’ve lost all of their baby teeth and all of their adult teeth have grown in. That said, it’s important that you take their maturity and oral hygiene into consideration before you take the leap into orthodontic care for your child.

If you’re already asking yourself “what age can kids get braces”, you’re probably ready to see an orthodontist for your child!

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