Dental braces are used to straighten your teeth and align your bite to give you that perfect smile. Dental braces also help to improve the function of your teeth by aligning your bite, which reduces the chance of wear, chipping of teeth and gum recession. Dental braces can be tricky to clean, but it is crucial to make sure to keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing dental braces.
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Both a soother and finger or thumb sucking both cause suction and put pressure on the jaw, which is fragile while still growing. These habits can both cause the palate to rise and the upper jaw to become narrow, causing issues with the bite and the way the teeth close together. Often these habits at an early age can lead to the need for braces later on. Try to remove the soother around two years old and stop the finger/thumb sucking habit as soon as you notice it.
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A nightguard is a mouth guard used overnight to protect your teeth, jawbones and jaw joints from the wear and tear from nighttime grinding and clenching. The official name for these habits is called “bruxism,” and it affects many more people than you would think. Bruxism is considered a sleep movement disorder. A nightguard is a transparent oral appliance that is made to fit your teeth. It may cover all or a portion of your teeth, depending on the type. They can also be fabricated to be worn on the top or bottom.
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A food trap can occur between two teeth that have a slightly loose or open area of contact. An opening or space between teeth allows food to become trapped while eating. Sometimes the food trap can be noticeable and annoying. Or it may go completely unnoticed, depending on the size and severity. Some food traps pose a risk to the health of the teeth and gums in the area if not addressed.
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