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GETTING YOUR WISDOM TEETH REMOVED is such a common procedure these days that it’s almost a rite of passage among teenagers. But why do some of us have to get them out anyway, and why do we even have them in the first place? In today’s blog post we’re going to answer these and a few other common wisdom teeth questions!

Wisdom Teeth Are Remnants Of An Ancient Era

The most widely accepted theory about wisdom teeth’s origins goes back to our early human ancestors. Because they had a very different diet–mainly roots, raw meat and fibrous plants–they needed extra molars to grind up tough food. These days, we eat much softer foods. We also have smaller jaws that don’t fit in those third molars quite as well.

Wisdom Teeth Are Removed For A Number Of Reasons

While some people never get their wisdom teeth, they’ll show up for most of us between the ages of 17 and 21. Unfortunately, they don’t always come in the way they should, which is why a lot of us have to get them removed.

If your dentist recommends getting your wisdom teeth taken out, it could be for one of the following reasons:

1. They become impacted. This means that the wisdom teeth don’t come through and become trapped in the jaw, under the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can form cysts around them and do significant damage to nearby teeth and bone.
2. There isn’t enough space for them. This can cause damage to nearby teeth, crowding, and pain.
3. They don’t come in correctly. Wisdom teeth that come in partially or aren’t in the right position can make flossing more difficult, allowing food and bacteria to become trapped and cause problems.

Some dental work may require wisdom teeth removal as well. However, if your wisdom teeth come in correctly and you are able to clean them properly, you will most likely not need to have them removed. And that means that you’ll have some extra molars in your mouth to chew with—awesome!

Remember These Tips If You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Out

To facilitate healing after wisdom teeth removal, make sure you get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water and avoid alcoholic, caffeinated and hot beverages for the first 24 to 48 hours. And of course, everyone’s favorite part of the healing process, eat soft foods such as ice cream, yogurt, and applesauce for the first day. You can add in broth-based soups one to two days after the procedure, but stay away from hard or chewy foods for one to two weeks.

We Want What’s Best For Your Smile

We treat wisdom teeth removal on a case-by-case basis. We will monitor them closely as they come in and together, we will make the best decision for your smile! And remember, having your third molars come in may cause some discomfort, but if it causes pain, come and see us immediately.

Do you have any more questions about wisdom teeth? We’d love to answer them! Comment below or on our Facebook page to let us know!

Thank you for placing your trust in our practice!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Top image by Ian Furst used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION as many as 10 million Americans are affected by serious eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia.

Most of you are probably somewhat familiar with these disorders and their dangerous health consequences. However, what you may not know are the many ways these disorders can harm your teeth and gums.

The Nutritional Component

Most people who are having difficulty with anorexia or bulimia are undernourished to some extent. One of the early oral signs of undernourishment is that gums and other soft tissue inside one’s mouth may bleed easily. Saliva glands may also swell and the person may experience chronic dry mouth. This condition can lead to a lot of oral health problems.

The Acidic Component

As you know, stomach acids are extremely strong. If people having difficulty with anorexia or bulimia force themselves to throw up, that stomach acid repeatedly flows over their teeth which damages the enamel and can change the shape, color, and length of their teeth. The acid also makes teeth more brittle which makes them more prone to chip and break off near the edges.

Learn More From This Short Video

Your Healthy Smile (And Overall Health) Are Worth It

Here at our practice, we deeply care about the well being of every one of you—our valued patients and friends. If you or someone you love is struggling with one or more of these disorders, get help soon.

Eating disorders are complex and arise from a variety of emotional, physical, and social issues. But there’s help out there—and as is the case with most such problems, early diagnosis and intervention can greatly improve opportunities for recovery.

A Temporary Help

While in the process of getting help to overcome these problems, if you suffer from eating disorders be sure to do all you can to minimize the damage to your teeth and gums. Continue to maintain meticulous oral health care related to brushing and flossing. And if you throw up, do NOT brush your teeth immediately after—but instead, rinse your mouth with baking soda to help neutralize the effects of the stomach acid. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, seek help right away.

Questions For Us?

True... We’re not psychologists. But, we DO care about your overall health as much as we do about your teeth. If we can ever help in any way, please contact us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 or find us at www.clubbraces.com. You can also ask questions below in the comments section or send us a private direct message on our Facebook page.

Thanks for the trust you place in us.

AT GORCZYCA ORTHODONTICS, we love giving our patients something extra-special the day they get their braces on, going above and beyond expectations, and creating a patient experience that will not only be memorable, but also amazing.

We love surprising and delighting our patients and giving them the gift of oral health at the same time. This is why we love the OrthoEssentials Bundle from Crest Oral B.

You will, too!

We Have You Covered With The OrthoEssentials Bundle!

When you get your braces on at Gorczyca Orthodontics, you will receive your very own Oral B electric toothbrush, oral rinse, Crest toothpaste, and floss, as well as floss threaders and proxybrushes in what we call the OrthoEssentials Bundle. With it, you will be ready and have everything you need to achieve oral hygiene excellence.

Getting a new toothbrush feels great. It is also a good reminder to throw your old toothbrush away or to change your electric toothbrush head every three months.

OrthoEssentials comes in a convenient carrying case. Kids' packs come with a cute backpack. Children love it and moms are excited about the enthusiasm created for tooth brushing.

Start Your Ortho Treatment On The Right Track!

You will be smiling from the day you get your braces on to the day you get your braces off at Gorczyca Orthodontics. Dr. Gorczyca and team want your smile to be plaque and cavity free. We can all be sure that your hygiene will be excellent throughout your journey to straight teeth with the Crest Oral B OrthoEseentials Bundle.

Visit today to find out what our Crest Oral B OrthoEssentials program is all about. Call us at 925-757-9000 to schedule your free orthodontic evaluation. Find us at www.clubbraces.com in Antioch, California.

Let us give you something extra-special along with straight teeth, the gift of OrthoEssentials and oral health.

Top image by Flickr user Jon Love used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

YOUR TEETH DON’T NEED TO GET IN THE WAY when you’re jamming with the band. Playing an instrument like flute, saxophone, or trumpet for hours with braces can quickly make your lips raw. You can try using wax, but this is neither easy nor ideal for the embouchure of the serious musician.

Invisalign is the perfect way to straighten your teeth when you are either a professional or aspiring horn player.

Invisalign Retainers Won’t Get In The Way Of Your Music!

Invisalign clear aligners can be worn when performing or practicing your instrument so that continuous orthodontic tooth movement can be made. When needed, your aligners can be removed for a gig, audition, or an important concert. Whether on or off the stage, your smooth aligners will always be comfortable.

We Have Extensive Experience With Invisalign

We have treated hundreds of patients successfully with Invisalign and Invisalign teen. You can find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925)757-9000 for a complimentary Invisalign or Invisalign teen consultation with our board certified orthodontist, Dr. Ann Marie Gorcyzca.

Invisalign aligners will help you look, feel, and sound great. We’d love to hear your music. Let Invisalign keep your licks and riffs simply amazing.