If left to continue as the permanent teeth come in, thumb-sucking can impact your child’s jaw and tooth development, and may even lead to crooked teeth. Here’s what you need to know about your child’s thumb-sucking habit and their tooth development!

Thumb-Sucking Can Cause Issues With Tooth Development

If your child still sucks their thumb as their permanent teeth come in, it can cause issues with the growth and the alignment of the teeth [2]. Vigorous thumb suckers can even develop problems with their baby teeth. Due to the position of their thumb in their mouth, the teeth can actually grow “around” the finger, creating crowded or crooked teeth.

The same is also true for children who suck their thumbs for an extended period of time. This action can actually “push” the front teeth forward, which could lead to protruding teeth or crooked teeth.

May Also Cause an Improper Bite

Thumb-sucking past the age when the permanent teeth come in can cause a malocclusion, otherwise known as an improper bite [3]. The most common improper bite as a result of thumb-sucking is what’s called an open bite. An open bite happens when the jaw is at rest, but the front upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, and so there will be an open space. Both thumb and pacifier sucking can cause an open bite.

When the jaw doesn’t fit together properly, it can lead to other problems, including chronic jaw discomfort or even trouble chewing or speaking. Stopping thumb-sucking is one preventable way to prevent a malocclusion in your child!

When to Break the Habit

If your child doesn’t stop sucking their thumb or pacifier on their own by the age of five years old, it could be time to intervene [4]. Once the habit is broken, your child’s teeth may still return to normal, or they may need orthodontic intervention if the permanent teeth have been affected. Your dentist can let you know more about what to expect during your child’s checkup.

While thumb-sucking is normal and shouldn’t necessarily be discouraged, it can be a problem if your child doesn’t stop on their own past the age of five or six. You can schedule an appointment with your child-friendly dentist to talk about your child’s thumb-sucking habits and determine if they could be negatively impacting your child’s smile. Your dentist can also give you more pointers on helping your little one to stop if they are past the age that thumb-sucking is considered normal.

Be aware of the effect excessive or prolonged thumb-sucking can have on your child’s teeth as well as their jaw development! By doing so, you can support your child by making healthy choices to protect their oral health for years to come.

Sources:
1. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tp23120
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/thumbsucking
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2639459
4. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/aap-press-room-media-

The post Your Child’s Thumb-Sucking May Be Causing Crooked Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Abnormal Bite or Misaligned Teeth

The position of your jaw and teeth can influence teeth grinding [1]. If you have an abnormal bite (also called a malocclusion) or crooked teeth, you’re at greater risk to grind your teeth than someone who has proper jaw and teeth alignment.

Fortunately, most cases of malocclusion can be treated with oral appliances such as orthodontic treatment. People who have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder may also be at increased risk to grind their teeth, and should seek treatment for this condition to potentially improve their bruxism [2].

Stress and Anxiety

Many cases of teeth grinding are suspected to be caused by stress [3]. People who experience chronic stress or suffer from an anxiety disorder may be more likely to grind their teeth either while asleep or awake.

Taking steps to reduce your stress and anxiety may help improve your bruxism; however, while you seek treatment, getting a mouthguard from your dentist is essential to protect your teeth from further damage.

Sleep Disorders

The link between bruxism and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been well documented. People who have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea are more likely to experience bruxism.

Fortunately, research suggests that treating sleep apnea may help eliminate bruxism entirely [4]. If you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, your dentist can refer you to a sleep specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Other Causes

Other research has linked teeth grinding to tobacco use, smoking, and alcohol and drug abuse [5]. The reason for this isn’t exactly clear, but the association could mean people who use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are more likely to grind their teeth.

Caffeine consumption has also been linked to bruxism, suggesting that people who suffer from teeth grinding may want to reduce or eliminate their caffeine consumption in the hours before bed to potentially help the disorder.

Don’t Ignore Bruxism!

Bruxism can wear down teeth over time, leading to flattened or shortened teeth, tooth sensitivity, and even teeth fractures. An exam with your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth and help uncover the cause to stop your bruxism and protect your teeth!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529927/
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/A_new_way_for_TMJ
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14592147
5. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(16)30541-4/fulltext

The post How to Identify the Cause of Your Bruxism appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Jaw tightness can range from mild to severe and be most painful when moving the jaw, such as
when chewing or speaking. In fact, some people experience such severe jaw tightness that they
feel the discomfort radiate throughout their face and neck.

But what exactly causes jaw tightness? The following are the most common causes of this
painful condition that may require professional treatment.

Bruxism

Bruxism, the technical term for teeth grinding, can cause the muscles in your jaw and face to
experience tension. Sometimes, this tension can cause headaches if left untreated.
Teeth grinding can have numerous causes, with the most common being stress and an
improper bite. When the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly, it can make teeth
grinding more likely to occur.

If you’re grinding your teeth, you may be doing it at night while you sleep or during times of
stress and not realize it. Symptoms of teeth grinding include a sore jaw, unexplained
headaches, and aching teeth. Fortunately, you can protect your teeth from grinding—you may
need a nightly mouthguard, orthodontic treatment, or stress management to help stop this
harmful habit.

TMJ Disorder

When your temporomandibular joint doesn’t work correctly, it can put undue stress on the
surrounding muscles. This stress can cause pain and tightness in the jaw, and you may even
have ear pain, neck pain, or headaches as well.

TMJ disorders will need a professional diagnosis to be treated. Depending on what’s causing
your TMJ pain, you may be able to engage in stress management to help the problem go away.
For others—such as those whose TMJ pain is caused by an external factor such as a misaligned
bite—further treatment may be necessary.

Symptoms of a TMJ disorder include not being able to fully open your mouth, clicking noises
when moving the jaw, or general jaw pain even when the jaw is at rest.

Improper Bite

If your teeth don’t properly align, your jaw won’t be able to function as well as it needs to. An
improper bite, such as an open bite, crossbite, underbite, or overbite, can cause uneven wear
on the teeth and strain on the jaw muscles.

Fortunately, most misaligned bites can be treated with simple orthodontic appliances. Your
dentist can normally tell if your bite is off and refer you to an orthodontist if necessary. Don’t
ignore an incorrect bite—a healthy bite can help reduce your jaw pain!

Are you experiencing uncomfortable jaw tightness and don’t know the cause? Your dentist can
help you determine what’s causing your pain and work with you to implement a successful
treatment plan to fix it. When jaw tightness is impacting your life, don’t wait to seek help!

The post What Causes Jaw Tightness? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, since the temporomandibular joint is so close to the trigeminal nerve—which is the
largest cranial nerve in the human body—problems with this joint can cause unusual symptoms
in rare cases. What are two unexpected symptoms of TMJ disorders?

Finger Tingling or Numbness

Since one of the jaw’s important jobs is helping to actually keep the neck upright, a jaw
misalignment can throw off the position of the neck. How is this associated with finger tingling
or numbness?

When the jaw isn’t aligned, the neck will tilt to compensate. This tilt can put pressure on the
nerves that are close to the neck vertebrae. Some of these nerves are responsible for giving
sensation to the fingers. Therefore, even mild pressure on these nerves can lead to finger
tingling and numbness.

It’s important to note that typically only one hand is affected and in most cases, the symptoms
are intermittent. If both sets of fingers are tingling and the numbness or tingling is constant, it’s
likely the TMJ is not at fault and you should seek additional medical advice.

Vision Problems

It’s surprising, but problems with your vision can be related to the TMJ. The trigeminal nerve
has three branches, one of which—the ophthalmic branch—carries nerve signals from the eyes
to the brain. Since the TMJ can cause tension in the muscles and surrounding tissues,
sometimes, this tension can affect the trigeminal nerve.

If the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve is affected, patients with TMJ disorder may
experience blurred vision, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, or may feel a pressure behind the
eyes. If these symptoms are being experienced without any other TMJ related symptoms, an
ophthalmologist should be consulted.

However, if these symptoms are being experienced in conjunction with TMJ symptoms such as
jaw muscle tension, clicking and popping of the jaw when opening or closing, or even
headaches, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see if your jaw is
to blame!

What Should You Do?

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it might be wise to first schedule a consultation with
your doctor. If no immediate cause is found, follow up with your dentist, especially if you’re
having other symptoms related to TMJ disorders. Your dentist can examine your bite to
determine if an incorrect bite or undue pressure on your temporomandibular joint is causing
your finger numbness or visual disturbances!

The post Two Unexpected Symptoms of TMJ appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

An estimated 10 million people experience some type of problem with their TMJ, whether it’s
due to an improper bite, arthritis, or even stress and teeth grinding. If you’re looking for TMJ
relief, you may be able to try the following dentist recommended exercises to treat your TMJ
disorder.

Resisted Opening Exercise

Resisted opening exercises can help strengthen your jaw muscles and provide some relief for
TMJ tension. To perform a resisted opening exercise, place your thumb or thumbs underneath
your chin. Push your thumbs against your chin gently while opening your mouth. You can keep
your mouth open for about three seconds before closing it and repeat.

Relaxation Exercise

Relaxation exercises can help to ease sore jaw muscles associated with a TMJ disorder. To try a
relaxation exercise, place your tongue on the top of your mouth behind your front teeth. Allow
your jaw to open, keeping your muscles relaxed. You can also slowly close your mouth, keeping
your tongue in the same position.

Mild Resisted Opening Exercises

During mild resisted opening exercises, you can again place your tongue on the roof of your
mouth as in the previous exercise. Next, put one finger where your TMJ is—this will be just in
front of your ear. Put another finger from your opposite hand on your chin. Apply gentle
pressure on both fingers on your TMJ and chin.

Next, allow your lower jaw to open about halfway and close. For full opening, perform the same
process, except allow your jaw to completely open and then close. You should feel some
resistance here, but not pain. If the exercise is painful, do not continue.

Stress Management

Since stress is a major factor in many TMJ disorders, it may benefit you to try some relaxation
techniques in your daily life to cope with stress. Relaxation processes will be different for
everyone, but many people find that breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, or other forms of
exercise can help them manage their stress.

Following Up with Your Dentist

There are other ways to manage and treat your TMJ pain. It’s essential to follow up with your dentist. If any of these exercises are painful, do not continue them. Allowing your dentist to
examine your TMJ and determine the cause can help you uncover exercises and treatment
techniques that will work for you.

TMJ disorders are absolutely treatable and can be managed. For some people, determining the
cause of their TMJ disorder can help implement a successful treatment process to make their
pain go away permanently. For others, managing their stress and triggers for TMJ pain can help
effectively manage the disorder.

Your dentist is the first step to alleviating discomfort in your TMJ. By scheduling a simple exam,
you can determine if you suffer from a TMJ disorder and what treatments are available to help
you feel better today!

The post Dentist Recommended Exercises to Treat TMJ appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Before you can receive a dental implant, you’ll need to have a consultation with your
professional dentist. During this meeting, your dentist will take x-rays to determine the exact
position of your missing tooth as well as examine the bone density of your jaw.

Only people who have adequate bone in their jaw are candidates for dental implants; however,
you may qualify for a bone graft to help build up your jaw bone to receive the implant.

Your dentist will also examine your oral health. Proper oral health and hygiene is essential for
the healing and longevity of a dental implant. People who smoke or have poor oral health may
not qualify for the procedure.

Next: Implanting the Post

If your dentist has found that you’re a candidate for dental implants and has thoroughly
discussed the procedure with you, your next step will be to have the titanium post—the
foundation for your dental implant—inserted by an oral surgeon.

Thanks to digital x-rays, your oral surgeon knows precisely where to place your dental implant
to maximize the chances of success for your restoration. Implanting the post is a surgical
procedure, and it’s important to be sure about dental implants before you take this step. Once
the post is implanted and healed, it’s very difficult if not impossible in certain cases to remove.

Then: Healing Time

The titanium post that constitutes the support for your future dental crown will need to heal
for a period of approximately 4-6 weeks to ensure it’s strong enough to support the dental
crown. Healing time may vary from person to person and will depend on your unique oral
health and immune system.

In the meantime, you may receive a temporary dental crown from your dentist to hold the
place of the future dental crown. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for healing and
follow up with your dentist as needed.

Last: Getting Your Crown

Your dental crown is specifically made to fit your smile and to match your existing teeth. It’s
sturdy, functional, and with the right care, has the potential to last up to fifteen years. This is
the final restoration to make your dental implant come to life!

The placing of the crown completes your dental implant—you can now enjoy your beautiful
new smile for years to come, with the right care, of course!

If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with your dentist to first
determine your candidacy. Dental implants are excellent restorations for patients with missing
teeth, so don’t hesitate to discuss your dental implant options with your dentist today!

The post Ask the Dentist: How Do Dental Implants Work? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

A TMJ disorder is best diagnosed by a professional dentist who can evaluate the signs and
symptoms of your TMJ pain and talk with you about treatment. In the meantime, what are the
signs that a person might have a TMJ disorder?

Clicking or Popping Noises in Your Jaw

One of the most common signs that a person has an issue with their TMJ is a cracking, clicking,
or popping noise in the jaw. This noise is most commonly heard when opening or closing your
mouth, such as when speaking or chewing.

These noises can not only be aggravating, but usually come with some discomfort as well,
making them a sign of TMJ disorders that shouldn’t be ignored.

Jaw Pain or Additional Pain

People who suffer from a TMJ disorder commonly have jaw pain or other pain that radiates
tension throughout their head, neck, and in some cases, even the shoulders and back. When
the joint isn’t able to function properly, the jaw muscles surrounding the joint can become
tense and sore.

This tension can then radiate outwards and cause everything from jaw pain to headaches and
neck and back pain. Even earaches have been associated with TMJ pain, so don’t hesitate to
talk with your dentist if you’re having unexplained pain in your jaw that’s affecting other areas
of your body.

You Have Unexplainable Medical Problems

If you have medical problems that can’t be explained by any other cause, it might be a TMJ
disorder. These conditions may include:

* Chronic ear pain or infections. If these infections or pain don’t have any specific cause, it might be time to get your TMJ checked out—this joint is located very close to the ear and can cause problems!

* Ringing in the ears. If you have tinnitus without any definitive cause, this could be the result of a TMJ disorder as well.

* Bruxism. If you grind your teeth, you may be seeing signs of a TMJ disorder. Bruxism can happen for people who have a misaligned bite and can put excessive pressure on the jaw, therefore aggravating your TMJ. In addition, grinding your teeth can also be caused by tension in your jaw and therefore be a sign of a problem with your TMJ.

* Migraines. Tension headaches or migraines have long been associated with problems
with the TMJ. Any unexplained or persistent migraines may warrant an exam from your dentist!

Don’t wait to get any of the above problems evaluated to see if TMJ could be the culprit!

Are you seeing signs of a TMJ disorder in your daily life? Your dentist can examine your jaw as
well as your bite to provide you with a more specific diagnosis. Make an appointment with your
dentist today—TMJ disorders are treatable and you don’t have to suffer from these signs and
symptoms!

The post How Do I Know if I Have TMJ? What Are the Signs? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The joint continues to grow throughout these years, coming into its adult position sometime
during the teenage years. This is a common time period for children or parents to realize a TMJ
disorder may be present.

Problems with the TMJ are particularly pronounced in females. Symptoms can increase as the
child gets older, so seeking treatment as soon as possible is important. What TMJ treatment
options are available for children?

Identifying the Root Cause

First, your child’s dentist will need to identify the root cause of their TMJ pain in order to
implement effective treatment. There are numerous causes for pain in this complex joint,
including:

 An injury to the jaw
 Stress
 Teeth grinding
 Chewing on hard objects such as pencils, ice, or hard candy
 An improper bite

Fortunately, many of these causes of TMJ disorders respond relatively well to treatments that
are non-invasive. Once your dentist has identified the cause of your child’s discomfort, you can
then discuss treatment options.

Non-Invasive Treatments

There are a few non-invasive treatments you can try under the guidance of your dentist to help
alleviate your child’s TMJ pain. Although some TMJ disorders can only be managed rather than
corrected, others can have a more permanent solution.

One non-invasive treatment is a TMJ appliance. A TMJ appliance can reduce teeth clenching or
grinding which can help alleviate symptoms, especially if the root cause is found to be stress or
teeth grinding.

These appliances (which may also be called TMJ splints) may help reduce stress placed on the
TMJ or help gently move your child’s bite into position if an improper bite is found to be the
cause.

If your child is grinding their teeth, either a TMJ splint or a mouthguard will be needed to help
curb the damage. You can also limit hard foods, use warm or cold packs on the affected area, or
employ the help of physical therapy or even massage to help stop your child’s TMJ discomfort.

Orthodontics and Surgery

If your child has a misaligned bite that’s been determined to be causing their TMJ pain, they
may need orthodontics to fully correct the problem. Your dentist will refer you to an
orthodontist if a TMJ splint won’t work for your child’s particular case, or orthodontics are
needed for a more permanent solution.

In rare cases, surgery may be needed to correct the jaw’s position and alleviate pain. Surgery is
typically only considered as a last resort, but may be needed if your child has a severe bite
problem or a jaw injury.

Watch out for signs that your child is experiencing TMJ pain. They may complain that it hurts
when they chew, speak, or yawn. Your child may even complain that the sides of their face hurt
or that their teeth hurt. A thorough evaluation by your child-friendly dentist can determine the
problem and help implement a solution!

The post TMJ Treatment Options for Children appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What can cause jaw tightness? There are several different reasons behind tense jaw muscles that may be causing your discomfort. By identifying the root of the problem, you can help alleviate your jaw pain!

You Have a TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It connects your upper jaw to your lower jaw and enables your jaw to move up and down and from side to side.

Since the TMJ is so complex, it’s susceptible to problems. When your joint doesn’t work
properly due to an improper bite, arthritis, or an injury, it can cause chronic pain and jaw
tightness that’s difficult to live with.

Fortunately, there is treatment for TMJ disorders. Your dentist can perform a simple evaluation to determine if your TMJ is being impacted by a disorder and talk with you about treatment.

You Grind Your Teeth

Bruxism, the technical term for teeth grinding, can be immensely damaging to both your teeth and your jaw. Grinding your teeth puts intense stress on your TMJ and your pearly whites. In some cases, bruxism can cause teeth to fracture or completely wear down.

Teeth grinding happens for a variety of reasons, but one of the main causes is stress. In fact, you may be grinding your teeth while sleeping and not even know it! Your dentist can tell if your grind your teeth by conducting a simple exam.

If you’re a teeth grinder, you could be putting concentrated pressure on your jaw muscles, leading to a constant feeling of tightness even when you’re not grinding your teeth.

You Have an Improper Bite

When your teeth don’t fit together properly, this can cause an improper bite, also called a malocclusion. Malocclusions range from overbites and underbites to open bites and cross bites. These types of bites range from mild to severe and can all cause jaw pain, especially when chewing, speaking, or smiling. Improper bites are usually inherited from your parents and can fortunately be fixed with orthodontics.

If a malocclusion is causing your jaw tightness, speak with your dentist about what treatment in the form of orthodontia might look like!

You Have Arthritis

In some cases, jaw tightness may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. In fact, the majority of people with rheumatoid arthritis have some type of TMJ pain, as the
inflammation may impact the joint.

Osteoarthritis is rarer but can happen in the TMJ, where it can cause loss of healthy tissue including cartilage and will impact the function of your jaw. Both people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may experience painful jaw tightness.

Are you experiencing jaw tightness that’s impacting your life? A painful jaw can be caused by a variety of problems from teeth grinding to arthritis and malocclusions. Your dentist can help you determine the cause of your jaw tightness and work with you to implement a successful treatment plan!

The post What Are the Causes of Jaw Tightness? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What kinds of materials are used for dental implants? Here’s why not every dental implant is
the same and what types of materials you can expect to find for your implant options.

Titanium

Titanium has long been used for dental implants and is the most tried and true material.
Although some people are sensitive to titanium, this material tends to be very biocompatible
and not cause reactions in the body.

Titanium is also used for knee and hip replacements among many other medical procedures
based on how well people tolerate it. Titanium also has the ability to fuse with bone, making it
a secure and trustworthy choice for dental implants.

Titanium also offers the advantage of being flexible in regards to how it’s placed in the jaw. It
can be made to consist of two pieces, which offer more options for dentists to place. This
dental implant material has been used for decades with very high rates of success (currently
about 98 percent).

Zirconia

Some people are concerned about being exposed to metal or having an allergy to metal, so
there’s been a demand for a metal-free dental implant option.

Zirconia comes pretty close. It’s not entirely metal-free, as it contains trace amounts of metal,
but these traces are so minimal they would not cause a reaction. Zirconia tends to be more
biocompatible than titanium, but it does have its disadvantages.

Zirconia is a relatively recent development for dental implants and has not been nearly as
measured for success as titanium. There’s also minimal room for error when placing the dental
implant, as zirconia implants are only made in one piece and so give oral surgeons less flexibility
when placing the implant.

Since zirconia implants are made out of one piece, they also have fewer areas for bacteria to
accumulate and so provide minimal chances of a reaction or infection. However, titanium
implants also have very low rates of rejection and infection, making it comparable to zirconia in
this aspect.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re a candidate for dental implants, your dentist can discuss which material would be best
for your implant. There are different reasons each material may be used. People who clench their jaw or grind their teeth may not be able to have zirconia dental implants, as these implants have been known to fracture.

People who don’t want the dark color of metal showing through their gums—this is very rare in
titanium dental implant cases—may want to go with zirconia.

If you’re sensitive to titanium, zirconia may be your only option. You’ll need to discuss your
choices with your dentist to determine which one will be right for your unique smile. If you
don’t have an allergy or sensitivity to metal, titanium implants will likely be your dentist’s first
choice.

Are you considering dental implants? Remember that not every dental implant is created equal.
When it comes to your beautiful smile, your professional dentist can help you make the best
choice to give you a solid tooth replacement for life!

The post Are All Dental Implants Created Equal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.