How your teeth come together
Malocclusion, or misalignment, occurs when upper and lower teeth don’t meet comfortably. Two of the most noticeable types of jaw misalignment are an overbite, where the upper teeth stick out, and an underbite, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. Malocclusion causes jaw pain, headaches, and you may also bite your cheeks or other areas inside your mouth. Correct jaw alignment allows for effective chewing and distribution of biting forces equally over all the teeth. Severe malocclusion can interfere with eating, breathing, sleeping and speech, and cause discomfort and pain even when your jaw isn’t moving. […]
Summer’s Coming! Don’t Wait!
We are all dreaming of blue skies and warm temperatures. Summer fun is just around the corner; whether it be on the golf course (Dr. Thor’s favorite), time at the cottage, or a family vacation to Disney. Whatever you are looking forward to this summer, I am sure it is not a toothache. We don’t want this summer’s memory to be missing out on the fun because you put off calling us about a discomfort you are experiencing. Schedule your preventative oral health exam to prevent problems and save time and money. Call us TODAY 608-873-7277 and have fun this […]
Six ways to prevent tooth decay in children
Care, don’t share Don’t share utensils with your child or “clean” a pacifier by putting it in your mouth. You can transfer cavity-causing germs to your child. Eat healthy and drink fluoridated water Get fruits and vegetables into your diet. First dental visit no later than age 1 Your child’s baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they first appear—which is typically around age six months. Seal out decay Ask your dentist about applying dental sealants to chewing surfaces of teeth. Use fluoride toothpaste as soon as teeth come through the gums. Most children age 6 and under […]
Winter Sensitivity
As the temperatures start to dip and the snow starts to fall, you may notice your teeth are more sensitive when you are outside. Sometimes, people tend to clench their teeth and tense up when they are out in the cold. Clenching can cause jaw and teeth erosion issues which cause sensitivity. Sipping hot chocolate or coffee may feel comforting while being out on a cold day, but the temperature difference can cause sensitivity. The winter months also come with holiday treats. Caramels, candy canes, and peanut brittle to name a few. Sugary treats put you at a higher risk […]
Wisdom Teeth
Third molars, otherwise known as wisdom teeth generally come through or erupt at a more mature age between 17 and 21. Anthropologists believe we have wisdom teeth because our ancestor’s early diet required more chewing power. With today’s expanded food choices and cooking techniques, the third molars are not necessary for function. If wisdom teeth come in with proper alignment, they generally work with the other molars in chewing. With the help of dental x-rays, we are able to determine if your wisdom teeth will be properly aligned. Poor alignment of wisdom teeth can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone, […]