Median Diastema ( Gap Teeth)

What Is It?

A diastema is a space or gap between two teeth. It appears most often between the two upper front teeth. However, gaps can occur between any two teeth.A mismatch between the size of the jaw bones and the size of the teeth can cause either extra space between teeth or crowding of teeth. If the teeth are too small for the jaw bone, spaces between the teeth will occur. If the teeth are too big for the jaw, teeth will be crowded.Spaces develop for a few other reasons as well.Sometimes some teeth are missing or undersized. This happens most often with the upper lateral incisors (the teeth next to the two upper front teeth). That can cause the upper central incisors to develop a space.

A diastema also can be caused by an oversized labial frenum. The labial frenum is the piece of tissue that normally extends from the inside of your upper lip to the gum just above your two upper front teeth. In some situations, the labial frenum continues to grow and passes between the two front teeth. If this happens, it blocks the natural closing of the space between these teeth.

Habits can also lead to gaps between the teeth. Thumb sucking tends to pull the front teeth forward, creating gaps.Spaces can develop from an incorrect swallowing reflex. For most people, the tongue presses against the roof of the mouth (palate) during swallowing. Some people develop a different reflex known as a tongue thrust. When they swallow, the tongue presses against the front teeth. Over time the pressure will push the front teeth forward. This can cause spaces to develop.

Periodontal (gum) disease results in the loss of the bone that supports the teeth. In people who have lost a lot of bone, the teeth can become loose. This movement can result in gaps between the front teeth.Children may have temporary gaps as their baby teeth fall out. Most of these spaces close as the permanent teeth reach their final positions.

Symptoms. A diastema that occurs because of a mismatch between the teeth and the jaw does not have symptoms. However, spaces caused by a tongue thrust habit or periodontal disease will tend to expand or grow with time. The teeth may become loose, and discomfort or pain may occur, particularly during biting or chewing.

Diagnosis. You may notice a space when brushing or flossing. Your dentist can see spaces during an examination.Expected DurationIf the gap was caused by a mismatch between the permanent teeth and the jaw size, the spaces can be expected to remain throughout life.Gaps caused by a tongue thrust habit or periodontal disease can get larger with time.PreventionNot all spaces can be prevented. For example, if the reason for a space is a missing tooth or a mismatch between the teeth and the jaw size, the spaces cannot be prevented without treatment.Maintaining your gum health is essential to good oral health. Regular flossing and brushing will help to prevent periodontal disease and its related bone loss.People with a tongue thrust habit can re-learn to swallow by pushing their tongue up against their palate. Breaking this habit can prevent widening of the spaces between teeth.

Treatment. Sometimes, a diastema is part of a set of problems that require orthodontic treatment. In other cases, a diastema is the only problem.

However, some people may seek treatment for reasons of appearance.Some people get braces, which move the teeth together. Often, no matter where the diastema is, you must wear a full set of braces — on both your upper and lower teeth. That's because moving any teeth affects your entire mouth.

If your lateral incisors are too small, your dentist may suggest widening them using crowns, veneers or bonding.If you have a space because you are missing teeth, you might need more extensive dental repair. This might include dental implants, a bridge or a partial denture.

If a large labial frenum is causing the gap, the frenum can be reduced through surgery called a frenectomy. If a frenectomy is done in a younger child, the space may close on its own. If it is done in an older child or an adult, the space may need to be closed with braces.If the gap is caused by periodontal disease, then periodontal treatment by a dentist or gum specialist (periodontist) is necessary. When gum health is restored, in many cases braces can be used to move the teeth into place. A splint can be used to attach teeth to other teeth and prevent them from moving again. In some cases, a bridge will be required to close the spaces.

When To Call a Professional. If you have a space between your teeth or see one in your child's mouth, talk with your dentist. He or she will determine the reason for the space and may refer you to an orthodontist, a specialist in treatment with braces.

 The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7. Treatment (if needed) may not begin right away. You and the orthodontist will discuss the overall treatment plan.If your space is the result of periodontal disease, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist.

Prognosis . If a diastema is closed through orthodontics or dental repair, the space will tend to stay closed. However, to help prevent the space from coming back, wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist. Your orthodontist may also splint (attach) the backs of the teeth to other teeth with composite (plastic) and a wire to prevent them from moving. Visit your dentist regularly to make sure your dental work is in good repair.

Article by American Dental Association

For further enquiries please contact
Blissfield Dental Clinic
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08023134407
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Secrets people with beautiful smile will not tell you.

People who have a beautiful smile have a big advantage when it comes to personal appearance. Plenty of people believe that a smile can leave a lasting impression on peers, which is likely why there is a big emphasis on having beautiful teeth. For those that are looking to get all the insight into a beautiful smile, here are 22 secrets people with beautiful teeth would not tell you. These are provided by with the help of cosmetic dentist in huntington beach Dr.Trinh Nguyen

I Brush All Of The Time

To some, it might seem a bit neurotic, but those who have beautiful teeth know that they’ll have to brush all of the time. Twice a day isn’t even an option, as most people know they should be brushing after each meal to in order to have the best looking teeth possible.

I Carefully Evaluate What Type Of Toothbrush I’m Using

You might just go and grab whatever toothbrush you can find off the shelf, but this isn’t the case for those with beautiful teeth. They know exactly what size, bristle strength, and handle shape is best for them. 

I Change My Toothbrush Once Every 60 Days

The rule of thumb for changing your toothbrush is typically to do so every 90 days. But for those that have beautiful teeth, they are proactive and make the switch sooner.

I Floss As Often As I Brush

Your gums are an equally important part of your teeth and gums. Therefore, people who have truly beautiful teeth know that it starts with flossing and keeping their gums healthy.

I Watch What I Put In My Mouth

Those who have beautiful teeth understand that their diet is a large part of the way their oral health is. Therefore, having the most beautiful teeth means having to be leery of what you are eating.

I Only Use Mouthwash In A Pinch

Some people believe that mouthwash can be used whenever, but people with beautiful teeth will tell you that it’s only good when you are in a hurry.

I Have My Family To Thank For My Beautiful Smile

For some, having beautiful teeth might just be genetic. Therefore, it’s likely not likely that they are going to brag about it and make their peers feel bad.

I Care About My Personal Appearance

Being a good person on the inside is great, but many people with beautiful teeth will attest to the fact that they do care about how they look.

I Think About My Teeth A Lot

Those who have a beautiful smile probably know it. And if it’s a big part of who they are, then chances are that they’ll be thinking about their teeth quite often.

I Consider My Teeth When Stepping On The Field

Athletes have a lot of risks when it comes to their oral health. Therefore, those who want beautiful teeth know that they have to wear a mouthguard in order to avoid damage to their teeth.

I Visit My Dentist For Even The Small Things

Plenty of people put off visiting the dentist until they have a major dental problem that needs to be seen to. However, those who have breaks or cracks in their teeth, but care about their smile, will visit a dentist as soon as possible to have things fixed.

I Miss Coffee And Other Dark Drinks

Having a beautiful smile isn’t easy for everyone. Most people will have to give up coffee, soda, wine, and other dark drinks if they want to keep their teeth bright and white.

I’ve Considered Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is quickly becoming one of the most popular medical treatments in the world. Those who want to have beautiful teeth will likely consider some sort of cosmetic dentistry to keep their smile looking great.

I Care How My Breath Smells

Having bad breath is the perfect way to scare people away. That is why those who have nice teeth know that they also have to have good smelling breath.

I Have My Dentist On Speed Dial

Some people don’t even know who their dentist is, but those who have beautiful teeth won’t be ashamed to admit that they have theirs on speed dial.

I Worry About The Oral Health Of My Family

Those who have bad teeth and gums are putting their children at risk for the same sort of oral issues. Therefore, those who have beautiful teeth are also considering their family as well.

I Drink A Lot Of Water

In order to have a beautiful smile and good smelling breath, you need to stay hydrated.

I Enjoy Compliments From Others

For those who have a beautiful smile, there is nothing wrong with getting compliments from others. Having that boost in confidence can do wonders if you have beautiful teeth.

My Teeth Have Always Been In Great Shape

The truth is that some people just have always had great teeth thanks to their genetics. However, that doesn’t mean that they’ll go around letting everyone know just how lucky they are.

It Takes A Lot Of Work; But It’s Worth It

Keeping up with oral health takes a lot of effort. However, the end result is an unforgettable smile that is certainly worth it.

- See more at: http://www.dentaltown.com/Dentaltown/Blogs.aspx?action=VIEWPOST&b=322&bp=1723#sthash.45q1PxSB.dpuf

Advantages of dental implants.

For those of you who still do not know of this dental technology, dental implants is the best option there is when it comes to missing lost teeth. Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are being hooked into the bones of the teeth and are being placed permanently. When using dental implants, no one would ever suspect that what you are having right now are false teeth because they are as good as it gets when it comes to teeth replacement. Here are the following advantages of dental implants compared to other tooth replacement alternatives.

1. Better aestheticsDental implants really look like the real teeth and its material is crafted in accordance to the natural color of your teeth making them look like your original teeth once they are fitted along with the original ones. As I have said earlier, no one would suspect you for having false teeth with dental implants.
2. Better speechSome dentures may cause you to speak awkwardly leading to lisps and slip-ups when talking. With dental implants, this would never become a problem because you are secure that the implants are safely intact inside your mouth. No need to worry about embarrassing moments when dentures slip out of someone’s mouth because of careless laughing and talking.
3. Better comfortWhile working with your dentist during the installation process of the dental implants, you are assured that you are going to be comfortable with your dentures regardless of the actions you do with your mouth. The dentist will place them in the right position wherein you are very comfortable with.
4. Better eatingSome dentures need to be removed when eating because they cause you trouble when chewing or eating specific food but with dental implants, it should not be an issue because dental implants function much like natural teeth. There would be no eating problems encountered and there would be no need to remove the implants since they are permanent and in place.
5. Supports overall dental healthEven though dental implants are only artificial tooth replacements, they do not cause any weird reactions with other natural teeth nearby. Unlike dentures that may cause other teeth to shrink, dental implants do not have such issues or whatsoever. Since they also do not share roots with other teeth then there would be no issue with nutrients sharing as well.
6. Better durabilityDental implants can last for decades and even for a lifetime as long as you take good care of it. You just make sure to visit your dentist regularly to give it a check. Regular visits will cost you
   much lesser compared to having new dental implants installed for your teeth because you missed checking on your dentist for a visit.
7. Restores self-confidence

The biggest advantage that dental implants can give you is that it can be able to restore your self-confidence and boost your self-esteem once again. Insecurities regarding your dentals should now be thrown out of the window.

Category: dental implant

- See more at: http://www.dentaltown.com/Dentaltown/Blogs.aspx?action=VIEWPOST&b=322&bp=2770#sthash.XRTS3GWe.dpuf

Advantages of a dental implant.

Culled from DentalTown.

For those of you who still do not know of this dental technology, dental implants is the best option there is when it comes to missing lost teeth. Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are being hooked into the bones of the teeth and are being placed permanently. When using dental implants, no one would ever suspect that what you are having right now are false teeth because they are as good as it gets when it comes to teeth replacement. Here are the following advantages of dental implants compared to other tooth replacement alternatives.

1. Better aestheticsDental implants really look like the real teeth and its material is crafted in accordance to the natural color of your teeth making them look like your original teeth once they are fitted along with the original ones. As I have said earlier, no one would suspect you for having false teeth with dental implants.
2. Better speechSome dentures may cause you to speak awkwardly leading to lisps and slip-ups when talking. With dental implants, this would never become a problem because you are secure that the implants are safely intact inside your mouth. No need to worry about embarrassing moments when dentures slip out of someone’s mouth because of careless laughing and talking.
3. Better comfortWhile working with your dentist during the installation process of the dental implants, you are assured that you are going to be comfortable with your dentures regardless of the actions you do with your mouth. The dentist will place them in the right position wherein you are very comfortable with.
4. Better eatingSome dentures need to be removed when eating because they cause you trouble when chewing or eating specific food but with dental implants, it should not be an issue because dental implants function much like natural teeth. There would be no eating problems encountered and there would be no need to remove the implants since they are permanent and in place.
5. Supports overall dental healthEven though dental implants are only artificial tooth replacements, they do not cause any weird reactions with other natural teeth nearby. Unlike dentures that may cause other teeth to shrink, dental implants do not have such issues or whatsoever. Since they also do not share roots with other teeth then there would be no issue with nutrients sharing as well.
6. Better durabilityDental implants can last for decades and even for a lifetime as long as you take good care of it. You just make sure to visit your dentist regularly to give it a check. Regular visits will cost you much lesser compared to having new dental implants installed for your teeth because you missed checking on your dentist for a visit.
7. Restores self-confidence

The biggest advantage that dental implants can give you is that it can be able to restore your self-confidence and boost your self-esteem once again. Insecurities regarding your dentals should now be thrown out of the window.

Category: dental implant

- See more at: http://www.dentaltown.com/Dentaltown/Blogs.aspx?action=VIEWPOST&b=322&bp=2770#sthash.XRTS3GWe.dpuf

Mouth Odour

Oral malodour also called halitosis or fetor oris; in simple terms means “Bad breath”. It is therefore defined as an unpleasant or offensive odour emanating from the oral cavity (mouth). This odour can either be originating from the mouth (oral) or from other areas such as the respiratory and gastrointestinal organs (non oral).

It is a common complain of up to one third of the general population and a crippling social problem. Even though a few patients mention it as a secondary problem, it is however a major cause of embarrassment and usually affects interpersonal social communication.

Halitosis can gave a range of causes but for the purpose of educating the public we will group the causes into four:

A. Intra oral causes

B. Extra oral causes

C. Psychogenic causes and,

D. Transient causes.

Intra oral causes.

Bad breath can occur as a result of breakdown of food substrates by anaerobic bacteria resulting in production of a range of malodorous molecular components chief of which are volatile sulphur compounds. Some of these sulphur compounds play a major role in periodontal tissue damage and periodontal diseases.

Therefore, acute oral infections such as acute necrotising gingivitis, pericoronitis and other infection in the mouth can cause bad breath. Simple tooth decay caused by bacteria action on food substrates which invariably creates a cavity and eventually allowing food to pack serving as more substrate for bacteria action can also be a cause of mouth odour.

The tongue which also accumulates food especially greasy foods leading to coating of the tongue can also cause mouth odour. This area of the tongue is usually the posterior part where bacteria action is high and it is an area often missed during brushing.

Also people with poor oral hygiene; individuals who don’t brush regularly and those who don’t spend time brushing well are also prone to having bad breath. Those who use dentures are not also spared because dentures do accumulate food and if not well cleaned can lead to denture stomatitis ultimately leading to bad breath.

Some other intra oral causes are dry mouth, smoking, alcohol intake and some spices such as garlic and onions.

Extra oral causes

Chronic infection of the sinus can be a source of halitosis especially when patient has not sort medical help. In such cases, when the sinusitis resolve then the halitosis also resolves.

Respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and bronchial carcinoma can be contributory to clinical presentation of bad breath.

Gastrointestinal conditions such as reflux and pyloric stenosis can also be a finding in presentation of halitosis when other major oral causes have been excluded.

One common metabolic cause of bad breath is diabetic ketoacidosis. Therefore patients with uncontrolled diabetes can present with halitosis. Other diseases that can be a source of bad breath includes but not limited to the following; renal failure and hepatic failure.

Psychogenic causes

Some patients complain of mouth odour in the absence of none. They can imagine it because of psychogenic reasons. This can present as a real clinical dilemma since no evidence of oral malodour can be detected even with objective testing. This type of oral malodour can be attributable to a form of delusion or monosymptomatic hypochondriasis: self-oral malodour, halitophobia.

Other peoples’ behaviour or perceived behaviour such as apparently covering the nose transiently or covering the face is typically misinterpreted by the patients as an indication that their breath is indeed offensive. Such patients may have tendencies towards latent psychosomatic illness.

Many of these patients therefore adopt behaviours to minimise their perceived problems. Some of which includes; covering the mouth when talking, avoiding or keeping a distance from other people, avoiding social situations, using chewing gum, mints, mouthwashes or spray, and frequent brushing. Thus in such patients, the oral hygiene is usually superb.

Medical help may be required to manage such patients when they present in the surgery.  However such patients unfortunately fail to recognise their own psychological conditions, never doubt they have mouth odour and thus often reluctant to visit a psychological specialist.

Transient cause

Most individuals have mouth odour especially when just waking up from sleep. This kind usually goes away immediately after brushing. Spicy foods such as garlic and onions have also been known to cause a transient mouth odour immediately after consumption.

The diagnosis of oral malodour is usually subjective by simply smelling exhaled air from the mouth and nose and comparing the two. This is called the organoleptic method. Odour from the mouth and not from the nose is usually of oral and pharyngeal origin. Odour from the nose and not from the mouth is from the sinuses or nasal passages.

The management of oral malodour depends on the findings during examination. Scaling and polishing can get rid of built up calculus and plaque in the mouth. Filling of cavities and treating periodontal diseases can also alleviate oral malodour.

Key points

*Treat identifiable causes

*Avoid spicy foods like garlic and onions especially when raw

*Avoid habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking

*Eat good breakfast including fruits

*Brush teeth after meal or at least twice daily

*Brush tongue regularly

*Use mouth rinses

*Keep your dentures clean

*Regular dental visits is key to keeping oral malodour at bay.