Author: Dr. Varun Acharya

All Tied Up?

Speech is a complex process involving the tongue, lips, teeth and vocal cords. Some types of speech problems can partly be caused by the tongue. It is often detected in young children just learning to speak, but it can sometimes be missed and carry on into adulthood as well. For some patients, the tongue cannot move normally and cannot even touch the roof of their mouth. The reason for the problem is due to restrictive muscle attachments.

There can be an attachment from the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Sometimes these muscle attachments can also connect from the lips to the gums that can restrict lip movements. Certain words, for example, “thirsty” or “thoughtful “cannot be pronounced properly. There may even be a lisp. In everyday terms, these conditions are referred to as “tongue-tie”. 

Fortunately, modern dentistry has a permanent remedy for this issue. The dentist can solve the problem by performing a minor surgical procedure to release these attachments that could also be done with a laser. The muscle attachment is partially or totally cut to allow free movement of the tongue. Speech will become much clearer and the words well-articulated. 

The procedure itself is carried out under local anesthetic and typically only takes a few minutes. The healing process after the procedure is also very rapid and provides instant relief to the patient’s symptoms. 

If you’re having concerns with your speech and suspect that you might be having a tongue-tie, make an appointment with the expert team at Acharya Dental to diagnose and resolve your problem today!

Taking care of your teeth is simple until suddenly you have constant sneezing or a blocked nose. Coughing, wheezing or sniffing- all these make oral hygiene very difficult.

Here are some quick care tips during a cold or flu bout:
1. Hydrate yourself – drink plenty of water.
2. Watch your sugar intake. Use sugar-free cough drops.
3. Use a mouthwash to reduce bacteria in the mouth and to feel fresh.
4. Brush and floss your teeth even if you don’t feel like.
5. Change your toothbrush once the cold is gone because it may harbor harmful bacteria.

There are so many toothbrushes in the market. Ever wondered which one is for you? In reality, any toothbrush you feel comfortable works well.

To start with, select a toothbrush head size that easily fits into your mouth and can brush 1-2 teeth at a time. Any toothbrush you choose should have soft but firm bristles. Hard bristles may cause gum tissue to recede causing sensitivity and discomfort.

Powered electrical brushes are becoming popular. Research shows that they are not superior in action to manual brushing. However, you may be motivated to clean your teeth more often and for the required length of time. For people with uneven teeth or those that need assistance due to limited mobility of their fingers, powered toothbrushes are most useful. At the end of the day, it is your choice. Choose whatever gives you a better result.

You may be one of those who takes excellent care of your teeth. Your mother has been responsible for instilling this good habit. Brush regularly as properly, she said. You have taken her advice and now your routine is set. You brush as well as you can using the best marketed toothbrush and as often as three times a day.
Yet, one morning, you get a nasty shock. Peering into the bathroom mirror, you see that the gum line over some teeth has receded. Not only that, there is a groove at the gum line which is so sensitive to the touch.

What could have gone wrong?
Gum recession most often happens due to plaque and tartar accumulation, but with all the care that you have taken, that is probably not the reason.
Ironically, the cause could be too much care. Let me explain. Brushing for longer than a minute and a half and too frequently with an abrasive technique could be damaging. Heavy prolonged pressure applied with the bristles moving back and forth can cause the enamel to wear away and the gum to recede. Caution is to be exercised.
We recommend that brushing should be done first thing in the morning on waking up and in the night after dinner. A short headed brush with soft to medium bristles will help to reach the back teeth effectively.
Change your brush every 2 months. Worn out toothbrushes can also irritate the gums.

The technique? Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line, apply light pressure and a slight circular motion.
During the day if you want to feel fresh after eating, use any over- the- counter alcohol free mouthwash such as Colgate Plax. Chewing on a wad of sugar-free gum for 2-3 minutes after your mid day meal is also a good idea.

Remember that the delicate gums and teeth need gentle care. They are meant to last a lifetime. Your dentist will be happy to show you how to achieve this through illustrations, videos and take you through the correct brushing method. You just have to ask!

Madonna, Eddie Murphy and Omar Sharif sport big gaps in their teeth giving them a distinctive, unique look.

Are gaps for everyone? True, gaps between the front teeth may look cool on a few but for most people they are a source of concern and embarrassment.
Gaps can occur anywhere in the mouth but they are most visible in the front teeth.
What causes tooth gaps?
Tooth gaps can occur if the jaws are too wide and the teeth size too small. This is usually a hereditary factor. Habits like nail or lip biting, or pressing against the teeth can cause spaces to open up. Missing teeth even in the back of the mouth can lead to gaps because of the tendency of the remaining teeth to shift.
A small muscle attachment under the lip connected to the gums between teeth called the frenum can create a pull causing the teeth to spread apart. This can be corrected by a simple laser procedure.
Apart from the appearance, gaps can affect speech. A lisp, and difficulty in pronouncing certain words can also be a problem. Food also accumulates in these gaps and they need to be frequently cleaned out.
Gaps often close spontaneously at a young age when all the permanent teeth finally erupt into the jaw especially the canine teeth. This may need to be done in conjunction with orthodontic appliances. Thus braces are also the answer to correct habits and guide the teeth into their proper position.
Small gaps, otherwise untreatable, can be closed with tooth coloured composite resin which is attached by a bonding procedure to the tooth.
Till gaps become a fashion statement, we will have to deal with the everyday problems and esthetic challenges of a gap between the front teeth. Your smile will then light up your face and up your style quotient…

There is a belief that Calcium and Calcium supplements are good for your teeth. 

Milk and dairy products such as cheese are rich in calcium. They contain fatty acids, proteins, and phosphates that have decay-fighting properties. However, there is no proof that by increasing the dietary Intake of these foods it will strengthen the teeth further against tooth decay. 

Calcium supplements taken after gum surgery or extractions may aid the body in its healing. 

Yet, the role of calcium is in the ‘remineralisation’. This is a process by which Calcium and Phosphate are reincorporated into the weakened area that has been attacked by tooth decay. This is dependent on Calcium ions which are present in the saliva.

A renowned company markets a toothpaste which attaches itself to the calcium in the saliva and deposits it on the tooth thereby strengthening it.

The balance of calcium on the tooth is not understood very clearly. 

Just maintain a good oral hygiene routine, cut down on sugary foods and have a calcium-rich balanced diet. You will be well fortified against bacterial invaders of your precious pearlies! 

Your 12-year-old son has charged his way down the staircase, 2 steps at a time and trips on the last one, landing on his face.

Just a minor bruise, but his front permanent incisor has neatly flown out of his mouth and landed on the floor.

Different scenarios, an accident, a fight or in sports – see the loss of a tooth. In about 90% of the cases, the tooth can be re-implanted if you reach the dentist within 30 minutes. How should you preserve the fallen tooth? The tooth should not be rinsed to remove dirt or placed in gauze or on ice. The outer cells need to be kept alive to help it in re-attaching to the bone.

The best way is to just drop the tooth into a container of milk or saline solution and taken as soon as possible to the dentist.

Remember, speed is the essence here. The faster you get to the dentist, the better!