Many umbrella dental terms are used to describe issues with your oral health. These terms are often more scientific than ones you may hear in your dental office or when talking with peers. One of these terms is malocclusion, which refers to when upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned or have other improper contact when the jaw is closed. Below, we will share more about how malocclusion affects your daily life and what other terms are often used to describe this oral condition. 

What Causes Malocclusion?

Most cases of malocclusion are caused by genetics, but there are other factors that can cause misaligned teeth including dental trauma, falls, premature tooth loss, TMJ disorders, teeth grinding, thumb sucking or pacifier use, and ill-fitted crowns. Some cases of malocclusion are caused when individuals have large teeth and their mouth is not equipped to handle them, thus causing overcrowding. Most cases of misaligned teeth can be solved with braces or orthodontic care. 

Overbites

One of the most common occurrences of malocclusion is an overbite. This is when the upper teeth cover your lower teeth when you bite down. It can also be referred to as a deep bite since the upper set of teeth goes deep into the lower part of the mouth. Overbites are usually corrected by braces.

Underbites

This is the opposite of an overbite, so the lower teeth cover the upper set of teeth. The upper teeth sit farther back than the lower and often give a bulldog-like appearance. Underbites can be helped with braces, but more intense options may be needed if the misalignment is severe. Other methods to correct an underbite include headgear, jaw surgery, or tooth extractions.

Crossbites

Similar to overbites, cross bites don’t cover your entire lower set of teeth but do not align as they should when you bite down. Crossbites can feature all of your teeth, or just a few, which distinguishes them from an over or underbite condition. The biggest concern with crossbites is uneven wear on teeth. These may require intense braces with headgear or surgery. 

Crowded Teeth

While teeth can vary in size, your mouth is only so big and can only handle teeth that are suited for that allotted space. While some individuals may have large teeth and experience no issues of malocclusion, others won’t have the space for large molars or wisdom teeth. Some people with smaller jaws or mouths may not even have room for smaller teeth. 

Other Malocclusion Terms

Many misalignments can occur with a set of teeth. This is why the umbrella term of malocclusion is often used to describe all of them. However, the more descriptive dental terms help patients and others to understand exactly what is happening with the teeth. Some other terms for malocclusion include:

• Misplaced midlines
• Gapped teeth
• Overjets
• Open bites
• Spacing
• Protrusion
• Edge-to-edge bite

There are also different classes and divisions of malocclusion, depending on the type and severity. While the classes may not be understood by the patient, they help dentists and hygienists to quickly understand the severity of your case.

Risks Of Improper Tooth Alignment

While many may feel that tooth alignment is purely a cosmetic or appearance issue, other health issues could be caused by malocclusion. When left untreated, malocclusion can lead to further pain, deteriorated oral health, and much more. 

Some risks that come from improper tooth alignment include:

• Gum recession: Your teeth and gums work together to protect your mouth from disease or harm. When your teeth are misaligned, it can expose your gums to more frequent wear and lead to gum recession. Having an underbite or overbite can also cause friction on your gums and lead to recession.
• Jaw pain: Most improper bites are not comfortable on your jaw. The misalignment can put pressure on your jaw bones and joints causing pain throughout the day. 
• Malnutrition: Chewing can be largely affected by misaligned teeth. If eating and chewing are painful or take longer to perform, some patients may become malnourished as they switch to soft foods or only liquids. Having malocclusion fixed as soon as possible will help you enjoy your favorite foods and get the nutrients you need. 
• Sleep Apnea: Your jaw position and reduced oral space can lead to sleep apnea. Misaligned teeth can cause restriction to your airway, which can limit your breathing during sleep. Malocclusion can also impact your nasal passages, which could lead to louder mouth breathing or snoring. 
• Early tooth deterioration: The biggest concern for those with malocclusion is early tooth decay. Friction, lack of nutrients, mouth breathing, or improper chewing can cause tooth damage that is irreversible. Once a lot of your enamel is lost or you have a large bacterial infection, your teeth will never be the same. 

Services From Eric Felt Dental

Our dental office offers pediatric dentistry, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and more. We want you to love your smile, so we provide a variety of services to help you receive all of your care in one place. Located in Cottonwood Heights, we serve a large area of Utah residents and help them take better control of their oral health. Schedule your appointment today!

In an attempt to avoid costly dental treatments, many people turn to home remedies. While these natural, do-it-yourself solutions can be beneficial, not all of them are equally effective. In fact, some can do more harm than good. 

In this blog post, we’ll examine the effectiveness of common dental care home remedies, help you understand which ones to avoid, and provide advice on when it’s best to seek professional care at the dentist’s office.

Evaluating 6 Popular Home Remedies: Pros and Cons

In the age of the internet, it seems like everyone and their mother is constantly promoting new wellness trends, life hacks, and DIY solutions that claim to provide almost miraculous results. In the world of dental care, these home remedies often focus on oral hygiene, toothache relief, whitening solutions, and gum health treatments.

Many home remedies are time-tested traditions that have proven to be beneficial, while others are more dubious. If you’re tempted to try one of these at-home treatments because of their ease of access and affordability, ensure you perform thorough research before deciding to attempt them.

1. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient practice that has recently gained popularity online. It involves swishing sesame, coconut, or sunflower oil in your mouth for 10–20 minutes to kill harmful bacteria, reduce plaque, and prevent bad breath. While studies have shown some promise, evidence of its benefits is limited. Oil pulling cannot replace brushing and flossing, as it’s not effective for treating cavities or gum disease. 

For more information, check out “Oil Pulling for Enhanced Oral Health: Fact or Fiction?”

2. Saltwater Rinse

When it comes to home remedies for dental care, saltwater rinses are among the most effective. Dissolving salt in warm water and using it as a mouth rinse can reduce inflammation, help with wound healing, soothe minor gum irritations, and provide relief from post-extraction pain. In fact, saltwater rinses are often recommended by dentists. 

However, overuse can dry out your mouth and irritate the soft tissues. Saltwater rinses are best used sparingly, and if symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist.

3. Baking Soda for Whitening

Using baking soda for DIY teeth whitening is one of the most popular home remedies touted by online influencers, whether as a paste or a rinse. Many companies have even started selling baking soda toothpaste. 

While it’s effective for removing light stains and reducing plaque buildup, it won’t address serious discoloration. Plus, excessive use can erode tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity. If you’re looking for effective ways to brighten your smile, talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening options. 

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse or Gel

Hydrogen peroxide has many uses, from cleaning cuts and scrapes to removing stains from clothing. It can also be diluted and used as a mouth rinse or teeth whitening agent. 

While hydrogen peroxide has proven to lighten surface stains when used properly, overuse can lead to gum irritation and damage the enamel. Like with other home remedies used for teeth whitening, it’s best to talk to your dentist and explore professional treatments that have shown to be safer and more effective.

5. Clove Oil for Toothache Relief

If you have a toothache, applying clove oil to the affected area can help to numb the pain. Because clove oil contains eugenol, it has a mild anesthetic effect and antibacterial properties, making it a natural solution for temporary pain relief. 

That being said, clove oil should not replace professional dental care for serious infections or intense pain. If symptoms persist, you should call your dentist for expert advice.

6. Aloe Vera for Gum Health

You’ve probably used aloe vera gel to protect sunburned skin after a day at the beach, but did you know that it can also soothe gums and reduce inflammation? While it’s unreliable for severe gum disease or infections, applying a small amount of aloe vera to the gums can address the minor irritation that occurs during the beginning stages of gingivitis. 

Which Home Remedies Are Safe to Use Regularly?

Even effective home remedies can cause harm if overused. While it’s okay to turn to DIY treatments on occasion, they should not replace standard oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and professional exams and cleanings at your dentist’s office. 

If pain or swelling persists, bleeding gums don’t improve, or you experience tooth sensitivity, it’s a sign that home remedies aren’t enough and it’s time to call your dentist. Prolonging professional treatment can worsen infections and disease and even lead to tooth loss. 

Finding the Balance Between Home Remedies and Professional Care

At Eric Felt DDS, we’re committed to helping you reach your oral health goals. With a combination of at-home treatments and professional care, you can achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Nobody looks forward to flossing their teeth. It’s not fun, but it’s a necessary step in your oral hygiene routine. Fortunately, there are endless types of dental floss out there — and even some alternative solutions — that can help you floss your teeth more efficiently, effectively, and comfortably. 

At Eric Felt DDS, we understand the importance of personalized dental care, which includes your at-home oral hygiene habits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many options available in the world of dental floss, ensuring you make informed decisions about your unique oral health needs.

Thread Floss

Thread floss is what everyone pictures when they think of dental floss. It comes wound up in a little container, and when it’s time to floss your teeth, you cut the length you need and save the rest for later. 

Waxed vs. Unwaxed

Typically, thread floss is made of about 35 strands of nylon wound together, and it’s available either waxed or unwaxed. Waxed floss glides smoothly between your teeth; however, it’s a bit thicker, so it may be hard to get into particularly tight spaces. Unwaxed floss is thinner, but less durable — it tends to fray and get caught on rough edges.

Flavored vs. Unflavored

In addition to choosing between waxed and unwaxed floss, you can also choose flavored or unflavored varieties. If your children are reluctant to floss their teeth, flavored dental floss might be the encouragement they need to build healthy habits. 

Tape Floss

Tape floss is just like thread floss, but it’s wider, making it more effective for individuals with larger gaps between their teeth. Even if your teeth are close together, you may find tape floss to be more comfortable on your fingers.

Super Floss

Super floss is made of a length of yarn-like material, with thinner, stiffer sections on each end to make it easier to thread. It’s ideal for cleaning around dental appliances like braces, implants, or bridges. You can even use it if you have wide gaps between your teeth. 

PTFE Floss

Premium floss is often made of PTFE — short for polytetrafluoroethylene, which is also known as Teflon — due to its ability to smoothly glide between teeth. However, PTFE is classified as a PFAS, which are “forever chemicals” that have been linked to a number of health concerns. Before opting for a PTFE dental floss, it’s best to talk to your dentist or doctor to determine whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Biodegradable Floss

If you prefer natural, renewable materials, try biodegradable floss made from silk, corn straw, or bamboo. These eco-friendly options often come in sustainable packaging, minimizing waste and protecting the environment while helping you keep your smile clean and shiny.

Alternatives to Traditional Dental Floss

There are many reasons why you may prefer an alternative to traditional dental floss. Perhaps you find it difficult to maneuver the thread where it needs to go, or maybe it’s uncomfortable to wind it around your fingers. Maybe you just prefer the convenience of one of these other options. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from.

Flossing Stick or Dental Floss Holder

Flossing sticks go by many different names — dental floss holders, flossers, or floss picks. They consist of a short length of dental floss attached to a vaguely Y-shaped handle, making it easier to reach all the way between your very backmost molars. Some come with the floss already built in, while others are reusable — you just have to change out the floss every time. 

Electric Dental Flosser

Similar to electric toothbrushes, electric dental flossers use gentle vibrations to loosen food particles and plaque stuck between your teeth. 

Water Flosser

Rather than using a length of string or thread to clean between the teeth, water flossers use pressurized jets of water. They’re an excellent choice for people with braces or other dental appliances that make it difficult to keep everything clean.

Interdental Brushes

Interdental brushes resemble a thin, flexible pipe cleaner with bristles like a toothbrush. They allow you to brush between your teeth rather than flossing.

Dental Care That Works for You

At Eric Felt DDS, we pride ourselves on providing dental care that works for you. Whether you need advice about what type of dental floss to use or it’s time for your semiannual cleaning and exam, we are your trusted partners in ensuring happy, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!