Dry Mouth and Orthodontics

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is both uncomfortable and unhealthy. People undergoing Invisalign or traditional orthodontic treatment may be especially sensitive to anything that makes their mouths less lubricated, so we at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic office want our patients to understand when they’re at risk and how to avoid it.

Saliva is produced by glands in the mouth and helps to keep it disease-free. Besides washing away food debris, saliva also helps the immune system by maintaining the mouth’s pH level. If the saliva glands are swollen, as can result from an autoimmune disease such as Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, the patient will be at a higher risk for xerostomia and gingivitis.

Dry mouth can also be the result of something the patient consumes. Medications for ADHD and mood disorders are likely culprits, as are alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Orthodontic patients may need to ask about switching medications that are imperiling their oral treatment. They may also try over the counter throat moisturizers or oral rinses that can be obtained with a prescription.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit Dr. Cynthia Wong and send a message.

 

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

It’s especially important for people with traditional braces to maintain their oral hygiene. We want to ensure the patients at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic office do not develop gum disease, as it may imperil the stability of their teeth. Therefore, this week’s blog post is devoted to identifying when the gum pockets need a cleaning.

Gingivitis means “gum inflammation.” It is the lesser form of gum disease, with “periodontitis” describing the more advanced stage. Gum disease develops when bacteria grow in the gum pockets and excrete acid. The acid clings to the teeth’s layer of plaque and damages the surrounding gum pocket. The immune system’s response is to cause the gum tissue to swell up, making it sensitive. Swollen gum tissue will look unusually red and bleed easily. It will be tender to touch and may cause bad breath.

Patients should always treat bleeding gums as a sign of a major problem. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to gingivitis as a result of hormonal changes. If gum disease is allowed to continue, it may cause the gums to recede, making the teeth look unusually long and potentially making it easier for them to migrate once orthodontic treatment is complete.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit Dr. Cynthia Wong and send a message.

 

Canker Sores

Canker sores also called aphthous ulcers are small sores that form in the mouth, typically on the inside of the cheeks, on or under the tongue, and on the gums. There are two types of canker sores: simple and complex. Simple canker sores usually disappear within a week, while complex canker sores are less common and may be caused by an underlying condition. If canker sores become a cause for concern, Dr. Cynthia Wong can discuss treatment options with you.

Though the exact cause of canker sores is unknown, stress and poor diet are usually to blame. Canker sores can also develop if you’ve bitten your cheek, jabbed your gum with your toothbrush, or if you brush too vigorously. Wires from braces may also cause canker sores. You may have a canker sore if you notice a painful, round, white or gray abscess with a red border in your oral cavity. To minimize the pain, you should avoid hot and spicy foods as well as acidic beverages.

If you have questions or concerns regarding canker sore relief, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

For some people, impacted wisdom teeth just happen. When it comes to a tooth, “impacted” is used to describe one that has not erupted, due to not having enough room to grow. Or, perhaps it’s partially-impacted, which means that it’s trying to erupt, but the surrounding teeth won’t let it. Impacted wisdom teeth are the third and final molars in the back of the mouth. If yours don’t emerge between the ages of 17-22, you may need to discuss extraction with Dr. Cynthia Wong.

Impacted wisdom teeth try to erupt, and while doing so, tend to push on surrounding teeth, causing them to be crooked and misaligned. Partially impacted wisdom teeth are harder to clean and because it’s easier for food to become stuck in these crevices, tooth decay or cavities may develop. Extraction is best to avoid infection, reduce or eliminate headaches, and prevent periodontal disease.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment or tooth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

TMJD and headaches

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) are a frequent source of pain. Not only do they cause damage to people’s teeth, they can also cause headaches. At the orthodontic office of Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, we can assist patients by providing night guards and reducing teeth grinding.

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, puts enormous strain on the teeth and the jaw muscles. In people with obstructive sleep apnea, it results from the body’s attempt to keep airways open while lying down. It can also be caused by psychological stress or by discomfort from malocclusions or impacted teeth. Pain from clenching the teeth may not be limited to the jaw. It can spread to connected muscles in the shoulder, neck, and top of the head. Tension headaches are often confused with TMJD headaches due to their similar symptoms.

Night guards prevent teeth from rubbing against each other, reducing the teeth’s chance of cracking and relieving pressure from the jaws. This often allows people to get better sleep, reducing their fatigue. In people with severe bruxism, night guards may also be necessary to prevent damage to braces.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit Dr. Cynthia Wong and send a message.

 

Mouthguards with Braces

Protecting teeth during sports is always important, but the risk of injury is even greater for a patient with braces. At Dr. Cynthia Wong’s orthodontic practice in Orland Park, we want our patients to understand how to work with their care team to protect themselves.

A mouth injury to a person with braces could cause the brackets to become dislodged and the wires to gouge the patient’s lips, cheek, or tongue. Many sports require players with braces to wear mouthguards, and wrestlers are required to wear ones on their upper and lower teeth. Typically, dentists advise patients to get mouthguards that are custom-fitted. These are the most durable and offer the most protection.

However, braces present an additional complication in that the teeth are shifting position. A custom-fitted mouthguard will not still fit the teeth months later.  Therefore, it is necessary for the mouthguard to be updated continuously throughout the patient’s treatment. While this can get expensive, new products are always being developed that provide patients with more affordable options. There may still be phases of orthodontic work when fitting a mouthguard is impossible, but orthodontists generally are willing to cooperate. Patients with braces should not attempt to fit their own mouthguards, or the guard may get caught on their brackets.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit Dr. Cynthia Wong and send a message.

 

Flossing with a Fixed Retainer

If you’ve recently completed orthodontic treatment and decided on a fixed retainer to protect your investment, you may be curious about how to floss. There are two types of fixed retainers – one that is bonded to each tooth and one that is bonded at the end of the retainer only. Fixed retainers can be difficult to keep clean, but fortunately, Dr. Cynthia Wong of Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is here to give you a lesson.

Depending on how tight the spaces are between the teeth, an interdental brush may be helpful in removing food particles from the teeth. These small brushes will reach into the small areas and pose no threat to tooth enamel. Additionally, floss threaders are extremely helpful in cleaning between the teeth. A floss threader looks like a loop and allows you to thread your floss through the hole and reach in between your retainer. Flossing is incredibly important to keep your smile healthy, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment or retainer options, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.