Harmful Oral Habits

Many individuals engage into harmful oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, nail biting, bruxism, etc. These habits can develop from early childhood, and some of them may develop in adulthood as well, which if not addressed, can lead to a variety of oral health issues.

Thumb Sucking: Thumb sucking is a common habit among infants and young children and typically serves as a source of comfort. However, if this habit persists beyond early childhood, it can lead to dental problems. Prolonged thumb sucking can cause misalignment of the teeth, leading to an open bite, where the upper and lower front teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed. Additionally, it can contribute to changes in the roof of the mouth, affecting speech development and increasing the risk of palate abnormalities.

Nail Biting: Nail biting, also known as onychophagia is a habit that can have detrimental effects on both oral and overall health. Constant nail biting can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, as well as wear and tear on the enamel. Moreover, it increases the risk of bacterial infections and the transmission of germs from the nails to the mouth, potentially causing oral infections and inflammation of the gums. Also, due to nail-biting habit, over the period of type misalignment of teeth can be noticed due to uneven pressure on teeth.

Tongue Thrusting: Tongue thrusting, also known as reverse swallowing, occurs when the tongue pushes against the teeth or thrusts forward during swallowing. Like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting can contribute to dental misalignment and bite issues. It can also lead to speech impediments and difficulties with chewing and swallowing food properly. Individuals with tongue thrusting habits may find it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene, as the improper tongue positioning can hinder effective cleaning of the teeth and gums.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, often occurring during sleep. Bruxism can result in excessive wear and tear on the teeth, leading to fractures, cracks, and even tooth loss over time. It can also cause jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Stress and anxiety are common triggers for bruxism, but it can also be associated with misaligned teeth or sleep disorders.

Mouth Breathing: Mouth breathing can be caused by plenty of reasons like nasal obstructions, enlarged tonsils, structural abnormalities, etc. While occasional mouth breathing is normal, chronic or habitual mouth breathing can cause oral and health problems.

Here are some ways to help reduce the harmful effects of these habits:

Awareness: Recognize the habit and its potential consequences. Understanding the impact on oral health can motivate individuals to take action.
Behavioural Modification: Replace the habit with healthier alternatives, such as chewing sugar-free gum instead of biting nails or sucking on a stress ball instead of thumb sucking.
Orthodontic Treatment: Consult with a dentist or orthodontist to address dental misalignment caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or bruxism. Orthodontic appliances or habit breaking appliances may be recommended to correct the issues.
Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise, to alleviate triggers for nail biting or teeth grinding.
Dental Care: Maintain regular dental check-ups and practice good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash to reduce the risk of dental problems associated with these habits.

At Teeth Care Centre, we have the best dentist, like pedodontists and orthodontists, to handle and educate our patients on this.

Fluoride therapy in Dentistry

Maintaining optimal oral health is important for overall well-being, and preventive measures play a crucial role in achieving that. One such preventive intervention that has significantly contributed to dental health is fluoride therapy. Widely used in dentistry, fluoride therapy has proven to be a reliable and effective method for preventing tooth decay and promoting stronger, healthier smiles.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in various sources such as water, soil, and certain foods. In dentistry, fluoride’s role is primarily centered on its ability to remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and plaque.

Applications of Fluoride Therapy:

Topical Fluoride Treatments:
Professional Fluoride Application: Dentists often apply high-concentration fluoride gels, foams, or varnishes during routine dental check-ups. This provides a concentrated dose of fluoride to strengthen the teeth.
At-Home Prescription Products: Dentists may prescribe fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash with higher fluoride content for patients at higher risk of tooth decay.

Fluoride in Water Supply:

Community Water Fluoridation: Many communities adjust the fluoride content in their water supply to provide a consistent, low-dose exposure to fluoride, benefiting the entire population.

Fluoride Supplements:

Prescription Supplements: Dentists may recommend fluoride supplements, such as tablets or drops, for individuals who do not have access to fluoridated water or are at a higher risk of tooth decay.

Benefits of Fluoride Therapy:

Prevention of Tooth Decay: Fluoride strengthens enamel, making it more resistant to acids and preventing the demineralization process that leads to cavities.
Remineralization of Teeth: Fluoride promotes the remineralisation of areas where enamel has started to demineralize, reversing the early stages of tooth decay.
Reduction in Sensitivity: Fluoride therapy can help reduce tooth sensitivity by strengthening enamel and blocking exposed dentin tubules.
Protection for All Ages: Beneficial for individuals of all ages, from young children developing their first teeth to adults maintaining their oral health.
Community-wide Impact: Fluoridated water has been recognized as one of the most effective and equitable community-based public health measures, benefitting individuals irrespective of age, socio-economic status, or access to dental care.

Considerations and Safety:

While fluoride therapy is generally safe and effective, it’s essential to consider individual factors such as age, oral health status, and risk factors for fluorosis (excessive fluoride intake). Dentists carefully tailor fluoride recommendations to each patient’s unique needs.

At Teeth Care Centre, we have the best dentist for fluoride treatment in Ahmedabad to perform fluoride application procedure according to particular needs of oral and dental situation. We make a point to ensure that adequate levels of fluoride needed are absorbed by the teeth in order to successfully cease the acidic breakdown of the outer layer of the teeth.

Laser therapy in gum treatment

Maintaining a good oral health doesn’t mean just having pearly white teeth. It also includes taking good care of our gums. Gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can lead to serious oral health issues if left untreated. Traditionally gum diseases like these used to be treated using invasive surgical procedures, but with advancement in dentistry and technology, laser gum treatment has come into the picture.

Before understanding laser gum treatment, it’s essential to know the nature of gum diseases. Gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, is characterized by inflammation of the gums, often accompanied by bleeding during brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis involves the infection and inflammation of the deeper structures supporting the teeth, leading to potential tooth loss.

Traditional vs. Laser Gum Treatment:

Traditional gum treatments involve invasive gum flap surgeries, which are traumatic. While effective, these procedures could be uncomfortable and require anaesthesia. Laser gum treatment, on the other hand, offers a less invasive and more precise alternative.

How Laser Gum Treatment Works:

Laser gum treatment, also known as laser periodontal therapy or LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), utilizes concentrated light energy to target and remove infected gum tissue.

Diagnosis: The dentist evaluates the extent of gum disease through clinical examination and, if necessary, diagnostic imaging.
Preparation: The dental professional uses local anaesthetics to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure.
Laser Application: A specialized dental laser is used to selectively target and eliminate diseased gum tissue and helps in pocket reduction. The laser’s energy also has a bactericidal effect, reducing the number of harmful bacteria in the treated area.

Benefits of Laser Gum Treatment:

Less Invasive: Laser gum treatment is less invasive compared to traditional methods, resulting in reduced discomfort and quicker recovery times.
Minimal Discomfort: The procedure is generally well-tolerated, and many patients report much less postoperative pain compared to traditional methods.
Precision: The laser allows for precise targeting of diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum and tooth structures.
Reduced Bleeding: The laser’s cauterizing effect helps minimize bleeding during and after the procedure.
Faster Healing: Patients often experience faster healing and tissue regeneration with laser gum treatment.

Teeth Care Centre provides the best laser gum treatment in Ahmedabad, as we use the best brand world’s no.1 dental laser, Biolase EpicX for minimal discomfort and maximum results. It is a high end and most accurate dental laser which gives better treatment outcome. The incorporation of this latest laser enables us to render blood free and painless dental procedures and improves the overall dental experience of our patients. It has a very good cutting efficiency which makes the overall procedure less invasive compared to the conventional dental surgeries.