Table of contents:
- What are loose teeth?
- Various causes of tooth loss
- 1. Thumb sucking
- 2. Suck on the pacifier
- 3. Disorders of the teeth and jawbones
- 4. Tumors in the mouth
- Complications of incised teeth that need to be watched out for
- Treatment options for loose teeth
- 1. Installation of braces
- 2. Invisalign
- 3. Operations
- Home care for loose teeth
- 1. Be diligent in brushing your teeth
- 2. Floss your teeth (
- 3. Wear a mouth guard
- 4. Stop smoking
- Can loose teeth be prevented?
Having loose teeth can reduce a person's self-confidence. The forward-looking front teeth can also change the shape of the face and even make it difficult for the owner to close his mouth tightly. So, what are the reasons for someone to have such advanced teeth? Then, can this condition be fixed? Come on, find out all the answers in the following review.
What are loose teeth?
Tonggos teeth are also known as overbite or malocclusion. This condition occurs when the position of the upper teeth is more advanced than the position of the lower teeth. The normal distance difference between the upper and lower rows of teeth is usually not very noticeable, but it can be said to be stuck if the distance is more than 2 mm.
A person is said to have loose teeth, if:
- The size of the maxilla is bigger than the normal size, but the size of the lower jaw is normal.
- The size of the maxilla is normal, but the size of the lower jaw is smaller than normal.
Various causes of tooth loss
Tongue teeth are often associated with genetic factors. This is because the shape of our jaw and face is a genetic inheritance from generation to generation. If your grandmother, grandfather, or parents have barbed teeth, then you are at risk for experiencing it too.
Apart from genetic factors, some of the daily habits that you live in can also trigger the position of your teeth to change. Here are a few things that can change the shape and structure of your jaw.
1. Thumb sucking
Thumb sucking is a common instinct for young children because they can no longer suckle on the mother's nipple. Even so, prolonged thumb sucking can put pressure on the front teeth and cause the teeth to move forward.
2. Suck on the pacifier
Sucking on pacifiers or pacifiers can also be one of the factors that triggers a child to have loose teeth. Research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2016 says that the teeth of children who like to suck on pacifiers tend to be more advanced than children who don't.
3. Disorders of the teeth and jawbones
Loose or messy teeth can lead to a more advanced appearance of the upper teeth.
Tooth loss in your upper teeth, for example, can cause other teeth to shift and affect the position of your front teeth.
Likewise, when there is not enough space for the teeth to grow. The growing teeth can damage the jawbone and tooth structure, causing the position of some teeth to be more advanced than others.
4. Tumors in the mouth
Tumors in your mouth or jaw can also change the position of your teeth and the shape of your jaw. An abnormal growth of soft tissue or bone in the mouth or upper jaw can cause the teeth to shift forward. As a result, your teeth look more advanced.
Complications of incised teeth that need to be watched out for
Although it may seem like an aesthetic problem at first glance, loose teeth can cause complications. However, how severe the complications are depends on how advanced your jaw or teeth are.
The condition of the jaw that is too advanced makes the teeth pop out often, making it difficult for you to close your mouth properly. Without realizing it, your mouth that is often gaping can dry out because you will get used to breathing through your mouth. Oral breathing can also increase your risk of other breathing problems.
In addition, having loose teeth can interfere with the process of chewing food because the upper teeth do not meet properly with the lower teeth. Thus, people who have too developed teeth are more prone to experiencing digestive problems and malnutrition.
Children with this condition also often feel insecure because their teeth are too large or their facial appearance is asymmetrical.
Treatment options for loose teeth
Basically, loose teeth do not need to be given any treatment if they are not causing significant problems. A number of large artists are even ignorant of their teeth and leave them without special treatment. One example is Freddie Mercury, vocalist of the band Queen who is phenomenal.
However, if you feel disturbed, it never hurts to consult a dentist and improve the structure of your teeth. Apart from improving the aesthetics of the teeth, special treatments can also be aimed at avoiding complications that may arise.
In general, here are the treatment options through medical procedures to straighten advanced teeth.
1. Installation of braces
Installation of braces or braces is the treatment most often recommended by doctors to treat loose teeth. The earlier this treatment is carried out, the better the results will be. However, make sure your gums and teeth are healthy and strong.
Before installing braces, you will need to have several consultation sessions with your doctor first. The first thing the doctor will do is check the condition of your mouth.
X-rays of the teeth are usually done so that the doctor can see the overall condition of your mouth. From the results of the examination, the dentist will assess whether you need braces or not.
Your mouth may feel uncomfortable after braces. The friction between the wire and the soft tissue in your mouth can also trigger sores such as thrush, which can cause a burning sensation.
To treat this condition, doctors usually prescribe pain medications. So that the pain does not get worse, you are also advised to eat soft and soft foods.
Don't forget to be diligent in checking with the dentist so that the doctor can monitor the development of your teeth as well as tighten your braces.
The duration of using the stirrup varies from person to person, depending on the level of tooth decay. Even so, generally the stirrup is worn about two years before being removed.
2. Invisalign
Just like stirrups, invisalign is a treatment to correct tooth alignment abnormalities, for example, because the teeth are too tight, loose, or advanced, aka tonggos. If the stirrup is made of wire, then Invisalign uses clear plastic which is flexible and is designed to form the arrangement of the teeth.
Apart from having minimal side effects, this treatment is also quite practical. Invisalign is detachable. You only need to insert the tooth into the invisalign where the cavity is in accordance with the tooth structure.
Ideally, this tool should be used for 20 to 22 hours a day. However, you must remove this tool when cleaning teeth, eating and drinking hot temperatures and containing sugar. Invisalign must also be cleaned diligently so that there are no stains on this tool.
At the beginning of use, your mouth will feel like something is stuck. You may also find it difficult to move your teeth or speak. Over time this discomfort will not go away as your mouth adapts to the use of invisalign.
3. Operations
Surgery can be the best solution for correcting severe structural abnormalities of the jaw and teeth. The doctor can attach a plate or screw to stabilize the jawbone.
Before undergoing surgical procedures to repair teeth and jawbone, make sure you consult a doctor first. Ask everything you want to know and also share your concerns regarding this condition. Your dentist can provide advice on the best treatment options for your needs.
Home care for loose teeth
This home treatment is not for rewinding advanced teeth. Caring for loose teeth at home is a way to prevent your teeth from becoming more serious.
Some things you can do to treat this condition include:
1. Be diligent in brushing your teeth
Just like dental care in general, brushing your teeth twice a day is something everyone must do. Make sure you brush your teeth with the correct technique. No need to brush your teeth hard, just swing the toothbrush slowly over the entire tooth surface.
Use toothpaste that contains fluoride because this type of toothpaste can effectively help protect and maintain the strength of tooth enamel.
2. Floss your teeth (
Brushing alone is not enough to remove plaque and food debris on the teeth. You need to floss your teeth (dental floss) so that the teeth are really clean.
Dental floss is effective in cleaning between teeth and gum lines that are difficult or inaccessible with a regular toothbrush. The trick, rub the floss between the teeth slowly. Friction that is too hard can injure the gums and make them bleed.
3. Wear a mouth guard
Protect your mouth with special tools whenever you are going to exercise or extreme physical activity. A mouth guard can prevent tooth decay if you get injured at any time while doing these activities.
Also use a mouth guard if you have a habit of grinding your teeth while sleeping or are stressed. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for recommendations regarding oral protection products that are good and suitable for you.
4. Stop smoking
Smoking is one of the factors causing various oral and dental problems. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even says that active smokers are twice as likely to develop periodontitis as those who are not smokers.
Periodontitis is a serious infection that affects the gums. If this condition is allowed to continue, you can experience severe tooth decay.
That is why, so that advanced teeth avoid various tooth decay, it is better for you to stop smoking. Not only avoiding tooth decay, quitting smoking can also improve the overall health of your body.
Can loose teeth be prevented?
Actually it is quite difficult to prevent this condition because most cases of loose teeth are genetic factors or congenital.
Even so, early detection to the dentist can be the right choice to prevent various dental and mouth problems. Remember, the sooner a disease is detected, the better your chances of recovery.
In addition to helping care for dental health, doctors can also detect any abnormalities in your oral cavity. If after the examination the doctor finds a problem, he can immediately determine the right treatment according to your condition.
Ideally, everyone is advised to routinely check with the dentist every 6 months. However, people with certain medical histories may need to see the dentist more often.
Choose a doctor who is comfortable with you to discuss your oral and dental health problems. So, don't hesitate to check with the dentist regularly, OK!