finding comfort when wearing dentures
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finding comfort when wearing dentures

No two denturists are the same. If you have been wearing dentures for a while, you know that no two sets of dentures are the same. Finding a quality, experienced denturist can seriously impact the comfort of your dentures. You do not have to deal with loose plates, gums that are rubbed raw, distorted speech, and the inability to eat your favorite foods. If you have any of these problems, there are a few things that you can try before replacing your dentures. Use what I have learned over my 15 years of wearing dentures to find a perfect fit and optimum comfort in your dentures.

finding comfort when wearing dentures

Pediatric Dental Overcrowding Raises Risks For Oral Problems

Priscilla Hansen

Dental crowding refers to teeth that are too close to one another or teeth that overlap. This condition is not uncommon in the pediatric population, especially in children whose baby teeth still have not fallen out when their adult teeth start to erupt. Here are some potential problems your child may experience if they have dental overcrowding. 

Childhood Gum Disease

When your child's teeth are too close together as a result of crowding, they may be unable to floss into the tight spaces between the teeth or effectively remove plaque between the teeth when brushing. This can result in calculus formation which can increase the risk for gingivitis and periodontal disease. If your child's gums bleed when they brush and floss, or if the gums are bright red, swollen, or otherwise irritated, they may have gingivitis.

Keeping regular dental appointments with your child's pediatric dentistry professional for checkups and teeth cleanings can help remove hardened plaque before it causes gum disease. If your child does develop severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, as a result of crowded teeth, then the pediatric dentist may refer them to a periodontist, who is a dentist that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

Tooth Enamel Damage

Dental overcrowding may also heighten your child's risk for tooth enamel damage. When tooth enamel is damaged, it can predispose your child to dental decay. If the enamel is weakened, thin and fragile, or otherwise damaged, it may not be strong enough to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from getting inside the center of the tooth. The center of the tooth contains the root, nerves, and pulp. When bacteria get inside the tooth as a result of damaged enamel, decay can quickly develop.

To help strengthen the tooth enamel and to lower the risk of dental decay, your child's pediatric dentist may recommend that they use an enamel-strengthening antibacterial mouthwash. In addition, if your child's baby teeth have not fallen out when their adult teeth have already started growing in, then the pediatric dentistry professional may recommend extracting the baby teeth to give the permanent teeth more space to help prevent dental overcrowding.

If your child's teeth are overcrowded, make an appointment with the pediatric dentist. When dental crowding is diagnosed and treated promptly, your child may be less likely to develop cavities, gum disease, an abnormal bite, and even jaw pain and headaches that can sometimes occur as a result of dental overcrowding. 

Contact a pediatric dentist to learn more. 


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