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Understanding Open Bite: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options Healthy bites are essential for proper chewing and speaking. This improves our overall oral health condition. But due to some problems every person can’t make healthy bites. Open bite is one of the main problems which prevents us from making healthy bites. Open bite is a type of malocclusion(misalignment of teeth) where the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. In this blog we are going to learn more about open bite including its causes and treatment options. What is an Open Bite? Open bite is the misalignment of teeth where the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This will affect front teeth or the back teeth. This dental problem affects our oral health through acting as a barrier for proper chewing and speaking. Causes of Open Bite 1.Genetic factors Some people inherit a jaw structure which is the reason for getting the oral condition of open bite. If our parents have misaligned teeth, then we also have the chance to get misaligned teeth. 2.Childhood habits Prolonged childhood habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and pacifier use can become the reason for open bite conditions. 3.Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders Disorders related to jaw joints can become the reason for open bite conditions. 4.Improper jaw growth Some people have the problem of improper jaw growth. This leads to the condition of open bite. Symptoms of an Open Bite ⦁ Problems with biting or chewing food⦁ Speech issues⦁ Mouth breathing⦁ Excessive wear on back teeth⦁ Aesthetic concerns  Treatment Options for Open Bite 1.Orthodontic treatment⦁ Braces – Traditional metal which helps teeth to move in proper alignment.⦁ Invisalign- A discrete option which gradually shifts teeth into position. 2.Behaviour modificationSome of the behaviour like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting should be prevented before it worsens. Exercises for tongue and facial muscles may correct tongue posture. 3.Dental appliances⦁ Tongue cribs- It is a device used for preventing tongue thrusting.⦁ High-pull headgear- It helps to correct jaw growth in children with skeletal open bites. 4.SurgeryIf skeletal issue is the reason for open bite, then orthognathic surgery may become a necessary treatment option. Only in severe cases this treatment option is used. Conclusion Some people may get a unique dental condition which affects entire oral health. Open bite is that type of condition which negatively affects our health. It creates problems for proper chewing and speaking. A correct treatment for an open bite can give your healthy smile back. If you face issues related to open bite, then immediately consult a trusted dental clinic like Share A Smile. Taking the correct treatment at the right time can avoid long-term complications.

Understanding Pigmented Gums: Causes, Treatments and Myths Pink colored gums are considered as the sign of a healthy person. But sometimes it becomes darker gum for some people. In this case the color of the gum may black or brown. These darker gums are called pigmented gums. Sometimes these darker gums may create concerns for people. It may also act as a sign of future health problems. Here you are going to understand more about pigmented gums including its causes, treatments and myths. What Are Pigmented Gums? Gum pigmentation refers to the natural or acquired darkening of the gum issue. Color of these types of gums may change from person to person depending on genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Pink colored gum is associated with healthy people and dark or pigmented gum is associated with unhealthy people. Causes of Pigmented Gums 1.GeneticsJust like skin tone gum color is also influenced by melanin. People with darker skin have more chances to get pigmented gums. 2.SmokingUse of tobacco may lead to a condition called “smoker’s melanosis”. In this condition the gum becomes due to increased melanin production in response to smoking. 3.MedicationsUse of medications like antimalarial drugs or minocycline can lead to gum pigmentation. 4.Health ConditionsSystemic diseases or hormone imbalance can also cause pigmentation in gums. Normally it is very rare. 5.Amalgam Tattoos Tiny particles from old dental fillings can become embedded in the gums. This may cause localized dark spots. Are Pigmented Gums a Cause for Concern? Usually in most cases , pigmented gums are not harmful and don’t require treatment. But if gum discoloration is accompanied by pain, swelling or bleeding then it may signal a problem like gum disease. In this situation you should consult a dentist. Treatment Options for Pigmented Gums 1.Laser Gum DepigmentationIn this treatment laser technology is used for removing the top layer of pigmented gums. This is a minimally invasive procedure. 2.Gum SurgerySometimes pigmented gums can become a severe issue. At this time the dentist performs a surgical procedure to remove pigmented gums. 3.Chemical PeelsSome dental clinics use chemical treatments to reduce gum pigmentations. This is not a common treatment option. 4.Lifestyle ChangesFor pigmentation caused by smoking or using some medications, then gum pigmentation can be reduced through controlling these triggering factors. Dispelling Myths About Pigmented Gums 1.Myth : Dark Gums mean poor oral healthFact  :  Pigmented gums are often just a natural variation. Only in some cases it acts as a sign of poor oral health. 2.Myth  : Whitening toothpastes can cause lightning gums.Fact : Whitening products are designed for teeth and it doesn’t have any effect on pigmented    gums. 3.Myth: Only lasers can treat pigmented gums.Fact : Lasers are the popular treatment option for pigmented gums. But surgery and chemical peels are also used as effective treatment options. Conclusion Pigmented gums often appeared as a natural part of many people’s appearance. In most cases you don’t have to worry about pigmented gums. But sometimes it appears as a warning related to health problems. Oral health is also an important part of our health so take any change related to your teeth as serious. Consider a trusted dental clinic like Share A Smile if you have any problem related with pigmented gums. Taking treatments for pigmented gums can give you a younger appearance.

CORRECT YOUR SMILE, LAUGH FROM THE HEART Smiling is one of the first things which make you noticed among the public. It shows the confidence level of a person. But many people can’t make a smile from the heart due to their teeth structure. They hide smiles from people to avoid teasing from people. This makes smile correction a popular choice among people who are looking to enhance their confidence and appearance. Here, we are going to check the need for correcting your smile and its popular methods which make you laugh from the heart. What is smile correction? Smile correction is the part of cosmetic dentistry focused on improving a person’s smile appearance. It involves various dental procedures to solve aesthetic and functional issues like misaligned teeth, discoloration, gaps, chipped or broken teeth. This process gives confidence therefore correcting your smile ultimately leads to gain more confidence. Improving your smile by adapting several cosmetic dentistry procedures is its ultimate goal. Benefits of Correcting Your Smile 1.Improved appearanceStraightening and whitening of teeth gives a better smile to a person which ultimately leads to reshaping a person’s appearance. It gives a youthful look to a person. 2.Boosted confidenceA good smile always increases a person’s self esteem. If a person can give a smile from his heart without any restrictions then it shows their confidence. People who smile often are considered to be more approachable persons. 3.Better oral healthOral health protection is also an important aspect in a person’s life. Aligning teeth will reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Correcting bite issues helps to prevent excessive strain on your jaw. Oral health protection helps to increase the quality of a person’s life. 4.Long term durabilityTreatments like dental implants, crowns and bridges restore the appearance of damaged teeth. These treatments avoid further oral problems in future and make your smile stronger. 5.Improved functionCorrecting your smile helps a person to bite with comfort and makes chewing easier. It makes your speech clear if teeth misalignment affects your pronunciation. Persons with good communication skills can achieve higher success in their life. Important Methods for Correcting Your Smile 1.Aligning : Straightening Your TeethMisaligned teeth not only affect your smile but it can also create problems on your oral health. Let’s check about several methods used for aligning your teeth:BracesBraces are the traditional metal braces which helps to correct severe alignment issues. It is the popular choice even though it is visible due to its affordability and reliability.Clear alignersInvisalign-like aligners are a more discreet option for aligning teeth. These  custom-made trays are removable and are used for moderate alignment issues.Lingual bracesThese are invisible because they are placed behind the teeth. It is a great option for people who are seeking discreet treatment. 2.Veneering: Enhancing Aesthetic AppearanceDental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of teeth. They are a versatile solution for improving the appearance of discolored or broken teeth. The dentist removes small amounts of enamel from the teeth in this process. Veneers are long lasting. 3.Dental Implants : Replacing Missing TeethDental implants are a permanent and effective solution for missing teeth which make gaps. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a tooth root. After the post integrates with the bone, a crown is attached, completing the replacement. It makes your teeth look like natural teeth. CONCLUSION Smile correction gives both aesthetic and functional benefits. It improves your smile as well as your oral health. Correcting your smile gives more confidence and a younger look. Any type of smile correction whether it is major or minor can make differences in both appearance and smile. Making a laugh from the heart without bothering anyone is the dream of many people. If a person has insecurity about their smile, consider a trusted dental clinic like Share A Smile to improve the quality of your life with more confidence.

Flossing is one of the simplest yet most overlooked aspects of oral hygiene. If you think flossing is just an optional add-on, think again! Let’s dive into why flossing should be indispensable to your daily dental routine. What Is Flossing? Flossing involves using a thin piece of dental floss to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria between your teeth and under the gumline. These are areas that toothbrushes can’t effectively reach, no matter how well you brush. Why Is Flossing Important? Prevents Gum Disease Plaque buildup between teeth can lead to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Flossing daily helps remove plaque, keeping your gums healthy. Reduces the Risk of Cavities Cavities often develop in hard-to-reach areas between teeth. Flossing helps clean these spots, reducing the risk of tooth decay. Fights Bad Breath Food particles trapped between teeth can decompose over time, leading to bad breath. Regular flossing ensures these particles are removed, keeping your breath fresh. Promotes Overall Health Did you know oral health is linked to your overall health? Poor oral hygiene can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Flossing helps reduce inflammation and bacteria in your mouth, potentially lowering your risk of systemic health issues. How to Floss Properly Flossing is simple but correctly can lead to effective cleaning or even gum injury. Follow these steps for proper flossing: Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches for cleaning. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it gently under the gumline. Repeat for each tooth, using a clean section of floss each time. Common Myths About Flossing “I brush regularly, so I don’t need to floss.” “Flossing is painful.” “Flossing causes gaps between my teeth.” Make Flossing a Daily Habit Incorporate flossing into your routine by making it a habit. Here are some tips: Keep floss in visible places as a reminder. Pair flossing with another daily habit, like brushing. Try different types of floss (waxed, unwaxed, flavoured) or floss picks to find what works best for you. Conclusion Flossing may seem like a small effort, but its impact on oral health is immense. By flossing daily, you can prevent gum disease, reduce the risk of cavities, and promote a healthier smile. Remember, your oral health is an investment in your overall wellbeing. So, grab that floss and show your teeth and gums some love! Make flossing a priority today—the thread ties together a beautiful, healthy smile! Our Service Locations Share A Smile Dental Clinic is located in Pandalam, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. You can trust our experienced pediatric dentists and the latest technology for your kids’ early dental visits. Our friendly and experienced staff will treat your kids with the utmost care and respect. Book an Appointment Explore our expert tips and treatments ! Click here