Malocclusion (tooth decay): symptoms, medication, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is a malocclusion?

Malocclusion is a condition where the jawbone and teeth are not aligned or even. This condition causes tooth decay, whether it's overlapping, crooked, loose teeth (overbite), and other problems.

If left without proper care, tooth decay can have an impact on the following:

• Reducing the sufferer's self-confidence because it makes the face look asymmetrical.
• Making it difficult for sufferers to speak, as well as biting and chewing food.
• Causes serious tooth decay because teeth are cluttered and piled up making them difficult to clean.
• Causes pain and muscle spasms around the jaw joint.
• Causes digestive problems.

How common are malocclusions?

Malocclusion is a fairly common dental and oral disorder. You can prevent this condition by avoiding the existing risk factors. Please ask your doctor directly for more information.

Types of malocclusion

What are the types of malocclusion?

Based on the severity, malocclusion can be divided into several classes, namely:

Class 1

Class 1 malocclusion is a condition when the upper teeth overlap with the lower teeth. In this type of malocclusion, the bites are normal and the overlap is only slight. Class 1 malocclusion is the most common classification of malocclusion.

Grade 2

Class 2 malocclusion is a condition of the affected tooth overbite. Overbite are the upper front teeth more advanced than the lower front teeth. This condition is known as retrognathia .

Grade 3

Class 3 malocclusion is a condition of the affected tooth underbite. Underbite are the lower front teeth more advanced than the upper front teeth. This condition is also known as prognathism.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of malocclusion?

Depending on the classification of the malocclusion, the symptoms of the disorder can be mild or severe. Common symptoms of malocclusion include:

• Misaligned teeth
• Facial features that are not symmetrical or precise
• The inside of the cheek or tongue is often bitten
• Feeling uncomfortable when chewing or biting food
• Experiencing speech problems such as slurred
• Tends to breathe through the mouth rather than the nose

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the malocclusion from worsening. So, consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience one or more of the symptoms above.

Cause

What are the causes of tooth decay?

Until now, it is not known exactly what causes malocclusion. However, experts suspect that genetic inheritance is the main cause. If one or both parents have this condition, you are at risk for developing it too.

This condition can also be caused by disorders of the jawbones and teeth. For example, the size of the jaw is not the same, the shape of the jaw is too small, or the teeth are too large. All three can lead to tooth decay or abnormal bite patterns.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of developing this condition?

Without realizing it, there are a number of habits that can change the shape and structure of the jaw, such as:

• The habit of using pacifiers and drinking bottles is up to the age of more than 3 years
• Thumb-sucking habit

Other factors that have the potential to cause malocclusion are:

• Experiencing birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate
• Injury that hits the mouth area and causes the jaw to misalign
• The presence of a tumor in the mouth or jaw
• Abnormal tooth growth (too much / too little), abnormal tooth shape, or tooth loss
• Tooth filling treatment, dental crown , retainer , or ill-fitting braces
• Have a history of oral and dental diseases, such as tooth loss, gingivitis, or periodontitis
• Airway disorders due to allergies or enlarged adenoids (tonsils)

Diagnosis

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Malocclusion is usually diagnosed through routine dental examinations. The doctor will ask about your dental medical history.

The doctor will also ask you about how to treat your teeth. Also tell all the medicines that you are regularly taking. Starting from drugs with or without a doctor's prescription, dietary supplements, to herbal medicines.

For more detailed results, you can undergo a dental X-ray procedure. Dental x-rays play an important role in helping doctors diagnose malocclusion (messy teeth).

This procedure can reveal cavities and hidden tooth structures. Not only that, dental x-rays can also help the doctor to determine the overall condition of the jawbone.

If detected, the malocclusion will be classified based on its type and severity. Your dentist can refer you to an oral surgeon to determine the right treatment.

What should be considered before a dental X-ray?

It is important to understand that dental x-rays carry a risk of radiation. This one imaging test may not be safe for pregnant women or women who are undergoing a pregnant program.

Even though the radiation level is low, exposure to radiation from X-rays is feared to interfere with the development of the fetus in the uterus. That's why, before a dental X-ray, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Also, let me know if you wear dentures or have amalgam fillings. This is because metals can block X-rays from penetrating into your body.

Medicines & Medicines

What are the treatments for tooth decay?

Once the diagnosis is made, the dentist can decide on the best treatment for the condition. In mild cases, you may not need special procedures. However, pain medication may be needed if you have severe pain around your jaw or teeth.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to reduce minor pain. You can get both of these drugs at the nearest pharmacy without having to redeem a doctor's prescription. Even so, always read carefully the rules of use before you take any type of over-the-counter medicine.

In certain cases, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if your malocclusion is severe. Orthodontists are specialists who specialize in the aesthetics of the position of the teeth, jaw and face.

Depending on the type of malocclusion you have, the orthodontist can recommend a variety of medical treatments, including:

1. Braces

Braces are the most popular procedure for flattening teeth or realigning abnormal jawbones. If the teeth are too crowded, it may be necessary to have a tooth extraction procedure before the braces are placed. Braces can be used at any age as long as your teeth and gums are healthy.

It may take several visits to the dentist before the braces are actually attached. While the process of installing braces usually takes about 20-30 minutes. However, this duration may change depending on the severity of your dental condition.

Before installing braces, the doctor will clean, smooth, then dry the surface of your teeth. This is so that the braces can adhere properly to the tooth surface. After that, the doctor will apply a special glue on the surface of the teeth and bracket. Bracket serves as an "anchor" for braces.

Bracket will be attached to the place that has been determined. When the wire and bracket fully bonded, your teeth will be illuminated with a laser. The laser beam helps the glue dry quickly and is hard, so the braces don't come off easily.

You may experience pain and discomfort in your mouth after the procedure. This pain can usually last several days.

However, there's no need to worry. Usually the doctor will give you anti-pain medication to help reduce the pain. The doctor will also usually ask you to eat soft and soft foods. The goal is that the teeth that have just been fitted with stirrups do not hurt when they are used for chewing.

The length of time using braces can be different for each person. However, the average person takes about two years to undergo this one treatment.

2. Remove the tooth

Tooth extraction can be a solution to straighten out teeth that are too messy or overcrowded by removing one or several teeth. Tooth extraction procedures usually involve local anesthesia. This means that you won't feel any pain during the procedure.

Before pulling teeth, try to brush your teeth, rinse, and flossing first. If you have a history of diabetes, report it to your doctor immediately. Likewise, if you are diligently taking antibiotics to treat certain infections.

If the problematic tooth is not blocked by the gum, the doctor can immediately remove your tooth without surgery. Meanwhile, if the dental crown is not visible because it grows sideways or is broken, odontectomy surgery may be needed. Odontectomy is a surgical procedure that involves small incisions in the gums.

After being given an anesthetic, the doctor will first make sure that the affected area of ​​the tooth is completely numb. Then the doctor will wiggle the affected tooth using a special lever. If the teeth feel loose enough, then the doctor will pull out the teeth using pliers.

The gum where the tooth is extracted will bleed, which is normal. You can bite a cotton swab or gauze roll at the site of the extracted tooth to help stop bleeding.

Avoid gargling too hard, touching the gums where the tooth was extracted, and smoking after pulling the tooth. Also avoid foods or drinks that are too hot, sour, and spicy until the numb sensation has completely subsided.

3. Installation of special headgear

Oral and dental surgeons can help correct the uneven jaw structure by attaching special headgear. This procedure can help inhibit the growth of the maxilla.

That way, the patient's upper and lower jaw will be back aligned. This procedure can be done from the age of children.

The doctor can also install splint teeth or bite plates to treat severe cases of jaw structural abnormalities. Just like any other medical examination, the doctor will ask about your medical history first.

Only then will the doctor involve a physical examination. If necessary, lab tests and dental X-rays can also be done. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of this process before undergoing any medical procedure.

4. Operation

In certain cases, surgery to correct the shape and size of the jaw may be required. Wires, plates, or screws can be used to stabilize the jawbone. In this procedure, you may not need braces to straighten your teeth.

Don't hesitate to consult directly to the dentist about your concerns regarding this condition. Your dentist can provide advice on the best treatment options for your needs.

Prevention

How to prevent tooth decay?

There is no one sure way to prevent malocclusion because most cases are congenital.

However, there are a number of things you can try to prevent the abnormal growth of your jaw and teeth. Some of them include:

• Limiting the use of milk bottles and nipples in children
• Stop sleeping in the thumb-sucking position
• Perform early detection of malocclusion at the dentist

Early detection is an effective way to prevent various oral and dental problems. Dental x-rays can be done to help the doctor observe the overall state of the oral cavity and dental and oral problems.

If the doctor finds an abnormality in the jawbone that triggers tooth decay, the doctor can immediately prescribe a treatment. In principle, the sooner your problem is detected, the better your chances of a cure.

Don't forget to always keep your teeth and mouth clean. This is important to prevent tooth decay from getting worse.

You just need to brush your teeth twice a day in the morning and at night. Also clean between your teeth with floss slowly to prevent the appearance of plaque

Pay attention to the food intake you eat every day. Because, the food you eat can also affect the health of your teeth and mouth.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.