The Importance of Early Orthodontics (Braces)

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In my practice parents often ask me if it is better to wait until their child’s baby teeth are all out before seeing an orthodontist.  They tell me that they “don’t want to have to do braces twice.” But seeing an orthodontist early on, by the age of 7, can often help many children avoid complicated orthodontics later, as early intervention may prevent teeth from erupting improperly and can aid in the proper formation of the jaws.

By the age of seven, most children should have a panoramic image taken that shows the positioning of all the permanent and primary (baby) teeth. In that image we sometimes find that a permanent tooth is congenitally missing (is not going to form,) and we then know that we have to take extra special care of the baby tooth until the child is old enough for an implant to be placed.  Or we may see that a permanent tooth is erupting sideways and that early removal of the baby tooth that sits over it can help that tooth drop down into place without the need for future surgical intervention.

In an orthodontic examination, the jaws are assessed for whether there will be enough room for the teeth to fit.  If one or both jaws are found to be too small, a palatal expander or other device placed at a young age can widen and grow the jaw to help make room for the teeth to erupt in a more normal position, decreasing the need for future tooth extractions. When children have issues with breathing and speech, these growth-promoting early orthodontic treatments can help improve those issues as well.  

Early orthodontic assessment and intervention (when needed) is helpful in making second stage orthodontics more simple. Not all cases require immediate orthodontic intervention. In these situations, orthodontists will monitor your child’s development at regular office visits and will determine the appropriate time for treatment if needed.  If you have a young child with a developing dentition, ask your dentist to recommend an orthodontist in your area who is skilled at early intervention orthodontics. 

The Connection Between Oral Health and Your Heart

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As we celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped candies, cards, and decorations, have you thought about the health of your own heart? And did you know that there is a connection between oral health and heart disease?

In April 2012, the American Heart Association published a statement supporting an association between gum disease and heart disease. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. When gum disease becomes more advanced, it is called periodontitis. Periodontitis can to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and may become more severe over time resulting in tooth loss. It is estimated that 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States have periodontitis.

Unfortunately, gum disease sometimes does not have any symptoms or warning signs, so people who have it may be unaware that the tissues and bone supporting their teeth are eroding away. This is one reason why regular dental cleanings and periodontal examinations are so important. The earlier we are able to identify gum disease, the earlier we can intervene and prevent the condition from progressing.

While the exact link between gum disease and heart disease remains undetermined, it is known that people with gum disease have a two to three times higher risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. Although we cannot prove that treating gum disease prevents heart disease, the connection is compelling enough that both dentists and doctors agree patients should strive to prevent developing gum disease. To avoid developing gum disease and maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association suggests:

  • Brushing twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
  • Cleaning between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
  • Eating a balanced diet and limiting between-meal snacks.
  • Visiting your dentist regularly for oral examinations and professional cleanings.

Dr. Kristy Chandler

Dr. Cheek’s Sleep Apnea Story

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Sometimes the caregiver needs care. Here is Dr. Cheek’s testimony about her personal experience with sleep apnea.

In my early forties, I began waking up during the night with my heart racing and had trouble falling back asleep. I visited my MD who prescribed me anti-anxiety and sleep medications, but even on these medications, I woke most nights, sometimes with a gasp, and then lay there awake for a couple of hours.

I assumed that my sleep issues could be attributed to being in my 40s and having the stress of a busy practice and three elementary aged kids. I also had a lot of headaches that started from the neck area, so I was getting regular massages, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and dry needling. For several years, I had worn a bite guard at night to protect my teeth from my grinding which had worn my posterior teeth flat.

After dealing with these sleep issues for a few years, I happened to participate in a course my study club offered on a new topic to dental medicine—sleep-disordered breathing. I learned that some people grind their teeth as a response to airway limitation and that the forward head position I’d developed was actually my body’s way of helping to create a more open airway. Even as a child my dad often commented I needed to stand up straight with my head and shoulders back. Neither of us knew my perceived bad habit was actually a desperate attempt for my body to get the oxygen it needed. While my body’s coping mechanism would somewhat aid my breathing, it also strained my neck muscles, contributing to my headaches and neck pain.

I now understand that not sleeping well can lead to anxiety and concentration/memory issues as well as body aches and pains, all of which were problematic for me. The heart racing I experienced during the night was my body’s way of saying, “Hey, I need more oxygen!” By the end of the course I had decided to ask my doctor to recommend a sleep study for me.

Just 2 weeks later, I received the results— moderate sleep apnea. Since then, I have studied in-depth the factors that contribute to sleep-disordered breathing in children and adults and have been able to greatly improve my quality of sleep.

Dr. Cheek's CT Scan

Dr. Cheek’s CT showing decreased airway space

Using my experience in dealing with my own sleep apnea enabled me to transform my practice to help families. I look at tonsils in children as well as jaw development, narrow arches, continued thumbsucking, bed wetting, dark circles under the eyes, hyperactivity, snoring, which are all signs of sleep-disordered breathing in children. I am also helping tired adults and those with worn or broken teeth improve not only their dental health but their overall health as well by recognizing potential sleep breathing issues.

Some of the symptoms which show up during dental examinations are TMD (pain or dysfunction in the jaw joints), tooth wear, broken teeth, and scalloped tongues. Because I know that years of poor sleep and sleep-disordered breathing can lead to health issues and dementia, I feel grateful for my own personal journey that is helping me improve the quality of life for many patients.

Common Mouth Sores

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Mouth sores that appear on the lips, roof of the mouth, tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks can be ugly, painful, and annoying.   Eating and speaking can be difficult as any movement of the affected tissue can cause discomfort.  Two common types of painful mouth sores are canker sores and cold sores. [Read more…]

BACK TO SCHOOL DENTAL TIPS

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As another summer ends and a new school year approaches, many of us parents begin the task of preparing our children for their first day back to school. We shop for the necessary school supplies, we update their wardrobes, and we ensure they have the immunizations and booster shots necessary to continue in school. Children should also have a dental exam before returning to school to ensure they have a healthy mouth and the tools they need to maintain it. [Read more…]

No ice cream for these sensitive teeth!

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I love the warm weather of the approaching summertime – a time when my family enjoys the beautiful sunshine and eats cold watermelon and homemade ice cream outside on our back porch.  For people with sensitive teeth, however, this activity that my family so enjoys is not a treat.  Cold foods and beverages make their teeth ache.  [Read more…]

Kids in the Dental Office

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My dental practice treats everyone from toddlers to the elderly, and though we have a passion for cosmetic dentistry, children are usually the most fun and interesting patients.

I have had many enlightening experiences as kids surprise me with their perceptions of what is occurring during their dental appointments. After I extracted the tooth of a 7-year-old boy, the mother asked her son as they left our office, “Has your tooth stopped hurting yet?” to which her son replied,”I don’t know. The dentist has it.” In treating young patients I have learned that………… [Read more…]

Why Traditional Dentures are NOT for you!

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imagesDentures are removable replacements for your natural teeth and gums. There are essentially two categories called partial and complete (full) dentures.  Partial dentures are made when a person still has some teeth in the arch, and they can replace one or more teeth.  Complete dentures are made when the entire upper or lower jaw is missing all of the teeth. Both types of dentures are made from either dental acrylic (a type of plastic) or a combination of acrylic and metal. [Read more…]

Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions

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Have you ever been on date or chatted with friends and felt that your (or someone else’s) breath was not so fresh? If so, you are not alone. Studies show firefighters-equipment-portrait-training.jpgthat 50 percent of adults state that they have experienced bad breath. While many causes of bad breath are harmless and can be resolved with simple changes to your dental care routine, bad breath that lasts for an extended period of time, known as halitosis, can be a sign of something more serious. [Read more…]