Orthodontists are dentists who receive additional schooling and training to help patients with their teeth, jaw alignment, and other issues.
Dentists can refer you to the best orthodontist near me when they notice issues with the alignment of your teeth, including overbites and underbites . These conditions can lead to premature tooth wear and other dental problems.
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You Have Pain or Soreness in Your Mouth or Teeth
Toothaches and jaw pain are usually a sign that something is wrong. They may be caused by a tooth infection, a nerve problem, or another health condition that requires treatment.
It is also possible to get mouth pain due to a disease that affects the roof of your mouth, known as your hard palate. This may happen from a mouth injury or as a side effect of cancer treatment to the head and neck region.
A person with mouth pain should see a doctor or dentist right away. Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve the pain and inflammation.
You Have Bad Breath
Whether you’re dating, on a job interview, or simply talking to friends, bad breath can ruin the experience. Fortunately, it’s not uncommon and can be cured.
Brushing and flossing regularly helps keep your mouth clean and free of odor-causing bacteria. You also want to avoid smoking, chewing tobacco products, or other dietary habits that can leave a smell in your mouth.
If you have chronic bad breath, it may be a sign of an underlying health problem that should be addressed. A visit to your dentist can help diagnose and treat bad breath at the source.
You Have Overbites or Underbites
An overbite is a condition where the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth. Usually, this is caused by genetics or bad oral habits.
The result is a gap between your top and bottom teeth that can cause jaw soreness, headaches, and difficulty eating. An overbite can lead to tooth decay or gum disease if left untreated.
On the other hand, an underbite is when your lower teeth protrude in front of your upper teeth. This condition is usually hereditary, but behaviors like thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting can also cause it.
You Have Crowded Teeth
If you have crowded teeth, you must visit an orthodontist immediately. This condition can cause serious health problems, including gum disease and cavities.
Crowded teeth can also cause pain in your jaw and mouth. This is because they could rub against each other, causing your enamel to wear down.
Alternatively, they could cause a bad bite, affecting your chewing ability and leading to painful issues.
The most common causes of dental crowding are heredity, illness or injury, and childhood habits such as thumb sucking. Others can result from changes in tooth size, growth, or placement.
You Have Difficulty Eating
Orthodontists have specialized training, which allows them to treat certain issues that dentists cannot. They can correct crooked teeth and jaw problems that can interfere with the ability to speak or chew food correctly.
The orthodontist can also help patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), which cause soreness and stiffness in the jaw, clicking, and popping when moving the mouth. Treatments can include braces, which help shift the teeth into a more normal position and relieve pressure on the TMJ.
Having difficulty chewing is a sign that you need to visit an orthodontist, like the experts at Pacific West Vancouver Orthodontists. Not only can this make it difficult to eat, but it can also lead to oral health concerns such as cavities and gum disease.
