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Posts for: January, 2019

3 Ways Orthodontic Techniques Could Prevent a Poor Bite

By M L King Dental Center
January 30, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: orthodontic treatment  
3WaysOrthodonticTechniquesCouldPreventaPoorBite

While orthodontists can effectively correct most poor bites (malocclusions), some can be quite complex requiring much time and expense. But there's good news—we often don't have to wait on a malocclusion to fully develop if we catch it in time. Thanks to interceptive orthodontics, we may be able to intervene much earlier and eliminate or reduce the degree of difficulty with treatment.

Interceptive orthodontics is a group of techniques and devices used in early childhood to help deter a possible malocclusion. Here are 3 ways this approach could make a difference in your child's bite development.

Guiding jaw growth. On a normal-sized upper jaw, the permanent teeth usually have ample room to erupt. Not so with a smaller jaw: incoming teeth become crowded and may erupt out of alignment or too close to each other. Orthodontists often use a device called a palatal expander to aid an under-sized jaw in its development. The device fits along the roof of the mouth between the teeth and applies gradual outward pressure on them. This encourages the jaw to widen as it grows, thus providing more room for erupting teeth to come in properly and decrease the chances of obstructive sleep apnea in the future.

Reshaping and repositioning jaw bones. An overbite can occur when the jaws aren't properly aligned, often due to poor muscle and bone development. This is where devices like the Herbst appliance are useful. Its hinge mechanism encourages the lower jaw to grow further forward. The jaws can thus develop in a more normal way, minimizing the development of a malocclusion.

Maintaining space. Primary ("baby") teeth are important for dental development because they help guide future permanent teeth to erupt properly; they also keep nearby teeth from drifting into the intended space. But when a primary tooth is lost prematurely due to disease or trauma, the space can become vulnerable to this kind of "drift." With a simple mechanism called a space maintainer we can hold open the space created by a prematurely lost primary tooth until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.

These and other techniques can help stop bad bites from developing in young children, minimizing or even eliminating the need for future orthodontic treatment. That means a healthier mouth for your child and less impact on your wallet.

If you would like more information on interceptive orthodontics, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Interceptive Orthodontics: Timely Intervention can make Treatment Easier.”


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Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win

By M L King Dental Center
January 20, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   mouthguards  
GameSetMatchMilosRaonicSaysAMouthguardHelpsHimWin

When you’re among the top players in your field, you need every advantage to help you stay competitive: Not just the best equipment, but anything else that relieves pain and stress, and allows you to play better. For top-seeded Canadian tennis player Milos Raonic, that extra help came in a somewhat unexpected form: a custom made mouthguard that he wears on the court and off. “[It helps] to not grind my teeth while I play,” said the 25-year-old up-and-coming ace. “It just causes stress and headaches sometimes.”

Mouthguards are often worn by athletes engaged in sports that carry the risk of dental injury — such as basketball, football, hockey, and some two dozen others; wearing one is a great way to keep your teeth from being seriously injured. But Raonic’s mouthguard isn’t primarily for safety; it’s actually designed to help him solve the problem of teeth grinding, or bruxism. This habitual behavior causes him to unconsciously tense up his jaw, potentially leading to problems with muscles and teeth.

Bruxism is a common issue that’s often caused or aggravated by stress. You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to suffer from this condition: Everyday anxieties can have the same effect. The behavior is often worsened when you consume stimulating substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and other drugs.

While bruxism affects thousands of people, some don’t even suspect they have it. That’s because it may occur at any time — even while you’re asleep! The powerful jaw muscles that clench and grind teeth together can wear down tooth enamel, and damage both natural teeth and dental work. They can even cause loose teeth! What’s more, a clenching and grinding habit can result in pain, headaches and muscle soreness… which can really put you off your game.

There are several ways to relieve the problem of bruxism. Stress reduction is one approach that works in some cases. When it’s not enough, a custom made occlusal guard (also called a night guard or mouthguard) provided by our office can make a big difference. “When I don’t sleep with it for a night,” Raonic said “I can feel my jaw muscles just tense up the next day. I don’t sense myself grinding but I can sort of feel that difference the next day.”

 An occlusal guard is made from an exact model of your own mouth. It helps to keep your teeth in better alignment and prevent them from coming into contact, so they can’t damage each other. It also protects your jaw joints from being stressed by excessive force. Plus, it’s secure and comfortable to wear. “I wear it all the time other than when I’m eating, so I got used to it pretty quickly,” said Raonic.

Teeth grinding can be a big problem — whether you put on your game face on the court… or at home. If you would like more information about bruxism, contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Stress & Tooth Habits” and “When Children Grind Their Teeth.”


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Moderate Fluoride Use Packs the Biggest Punch for Decay Prevention

By M L King Dental Center
January 10, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: fluoride  
ModerateFluorideUsePackstheBiggestPunchforDecayPrevention

In the battle against tooth decay, fluoride is an important weapon. Since the discovery of its dental health benefits a century ago, fluoride has been credited with saving countless teeth.

But over its history in dental care, this natural-occurring chemical has also had its share of controversy with concerns raised from time to time on potential health dangers. These run the gamut from “conspiracy theory” speculations to credible research like a 2006 National Research Council study that suggested a possible increased risk of bone fracture or cancer from over-consumption of fluoride.

Even so, there is actually little evidence or even record of incidence for such dire consequences. The only definitive health effect from fluoride found after decades of copious research is a condition called fluorosis, a permanent staining effect on the teeth. Fluorosis poses a cosmetic problem but does not harm the health of the teeth.

Moderation in fluoride use seems to be the key to gaining its health benefits while avoiding fluorosis. One influential fluoride researcher, Dr. Steven Levy, estimates 0.05-0.07 milligrams of fluoride per one kilogram of body weight (about a tenth the weight of a grain of salt for every two pounds) is sufficient to gain the optimum dental benefit from fluoride.

The real question then is whether your family’s current consumption of fluoride is within this range. That will depend on a number of factors, including whether your local water utility adds fluoride to your drinking water supply and how much. You may also be ingesting fluoride through processed foods, juices and even some bottled waters. And you can encounter fluoride in dental care including toothpastes and clinical treatments.

One way to moderate your family’s fluoride intake is to be sure all your family members are using the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste for their age while brushing. Infants need only a slight smear on the end of the brush, while older children can brush adequately with just a pea-sized amount. For other tips and advice, talk to your dentist about your family’s fluoride intake and how you might adjust it.

Even with the possibility of fluorosis, fluoride still provides an incredible benefit in preventing tooth decay. By understanding fluoride and keeping your intake within normal ranges you can maximize its benefit for healthier teeth and minimize the fluorosis risk.

If you would like more information on the role of fluoride in dental health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Fluoride & Fluoridation in Dentistry.”


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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
      • November (3)
        • Having Diabetes Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
        • Seek Coordinated Treatment If You Have Both TMD and Fibromyalgia
        • Teens May Need a Temporary Restoration for Missing Teeth
      • October (3)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • 3 Reasons Why Correcting a Poor Bite Is Worthwhile at Any Age
        • That Scalded Feeling Isn't in Your Head - It Could Be Burning Mouth Syndrome
      • September (3)
        • Improving Hygiene Skills Maximizes Removal of Disease-Causing Plaque
        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
        • Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
      • August (3)
        • 4 Serious Health Conditions That Gum Disease Might Make Worse
        • Look for These Basics When Buying Your Next Toothbrush
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • July (3)
        • A Cleft Birth Defect Can Be Heartbreaking - but There Is Hope
        • Not So Fast Replacing That Tooth - Consider Saving it First
        • Even All-Natural Fruit Juice Could Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay
      • June (3)
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • 5 Ways to a Beautiful Wedding Day Smile
        • Jaw Joint Disorders may be Connected to Other Health Problems
      • May (3)
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Jaw Joint Disorders and Fibromyalgia: Is There a Connection?
      • April (3)
        • Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
        • Your Sinus Infection Might be a Sign of a Tooth Problem
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • March (4)
        • If You're Considering Braces, Here's How They Work
        • You Don't Have to Live with a Gummy Smile. Here's How We Can Change it!
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
      • February (2)
        • 4 Big Benefits for Beginning Early Dental Visits for Your Child
        • Local Anesthesia Takes the Pain Out of Most Dental Work
      • January (3)
        • 3 Ways Orthodontic Techniques Could Prevent a Poor Bite
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • Moderate Fluoride Use Packs the Biggest Punch for Decay Prevention
  • 2018
      • December (4)
        • Don't Wait - Seek Out Treatment for Gum Recession Now
        • Adult Tooth Root Resorption is a Serious Issue that Requires Prompt Action
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • Your Child's Impacted Front Teeth can be Saved - but Don't Wait too Long
      • November (3)
        • Orthodontists Anticipate Future Facial Growth When Treating Poor Bites
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
      • October (3)
        • Eat the Right Kind of Carbs to Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
        • New Dental Advances Promise Better Outcomes for Treating Decay
        • Dental Implants can also Support Other Traditional Restorations
      • September (3)
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
        • Why Smoking and Dental Implants Don't Mix
        • Protect Your Teeth During Football Season
      • August (3)
        • World Cup Soccer Coach-Dentist Saves the Day!
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Pros and Cons for Flossing Before Brushing and Vice-Versa
      • July (3)
        • Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
        • Your Dental Care Efforts are Just as Important as Your Dentist's
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • June (3)
        • Overcoming Gum Recession will Restore Dental Health and your Smile
        • 3 Reasons for Blood Pressure Checks During Dental Visits
        • June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
      • May (3)
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • The Timely Use of a Palatal Expander Could Help Correct a Cross-Bite
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
      • April (2)
        • 3 Things You Need to Know about Easing Anxiety Over Dental Visits
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • March (3)
        • Answers to Common Questions About Root Canal Treatments
        • Bone Loss: the Hidden Consequence of Your Missing Teeth
        • Teeth Whitening: Know Your Options
      • February (1)
        • How Teeth Whitening Brings Out Tara Lipinski's Winning Smile
      • January (3)
        • Why You Should Still Floss with an Implant-Supported Bridge
        • Boost Your Overall Health by Reducing Gum Inflammation
        • Your Health Could Affect the Longevity of a Dental Implant
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Change Your Smile for the Better with Porcelain Veneers
      • November (2)
        • The 21st Century Promises Better Dental Diagnostics with Cone Beam Imaging
        • FAQ: Interceptive Orthodontics for Children
      • October (3)
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • We can Rid You of that Lump in Your Mouth you Keep Biting
        • An Orthodontic Retainer: Insurance Well Spent for Keeping Your New Smile
      • September (2)
        • The Secret to Preventing Gum Disease - Control Bacterial Plaque
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • August (2)
        • If at All Possible, Primary Teeth are Worth Saving
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
      • July (2)
        • Good Bone Health Essential for Obtaining 'Teeth in One Day' Implants
        • A Royal Fix
      • June (2)
        • Screw or Cement: Which is Best for Attaching Your Implant Crown?
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • May (2)
        • Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • April (2)
        • Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • March (3)
        • A Root Canal Can Stop Tooth Decay and Save Your Tooth
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • Factors Besides Oral Hygiene that Influence Your Risk for Tooth Decay
      • February (2)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • Try Conservative Measures to Treating TMD Before More Aggressive Options
      • January (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Watch Out for Re-Infection After a Root Canal Treatment
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • 3 Questions You Should Ask Before Undergoing Adult Orthodontics
      • November (2)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • New Understanding of Bacteria Promises Better Approaches to Oral Care
      • October (2)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • Cleft Repair can Restore a Smile, Change a Life
      • September (3)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking by Age 4
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • August (2)
        • Antibiotics Could Help Ensure your Implant Surgery is Successful
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • July (2)
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
      • June (2)
        • Dental Offices Hold to the Highest Standards to Protect Patients from Infection
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
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        • Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
        • A Toothless Tiger?
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        • Local Anesthesia Provides a More Pleasant and Thorough Dental Experience
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
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        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
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        • Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Support Your Child's Teeth Development with Proper Hygiene and Dental Care
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        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • Removing Teeth Could Improve an Orthodontic Outcome
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1099 Martin Luther King Jr Drive Southwest
Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 752-7777

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Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 752-7777

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