Word Of Mouth - Fall 2006
- Page 1 - From the Dentist
- Page 2 - Kiss Off Success
- Page 3 - The Wow Factor
- Page 4 - Toothy Wisdom
- View PDF Version
Toothy Wisdom
We can help you make smart choices
Nearly all of us develop wisdom teeth, and we wish we didn't. We have them on each side of our mouth, upper and lower. Strictly speaking, they are our third set of molars. In fact, they are visitors from a previous life that have outlived their welcome and their usefulness.
Our forebearers' jaws were large enough to accommodate 32 teeth, including the big chompers that we call wisdom teeth. But today, most of us have the capacity for only 28 teeth. Something has to give!
Wisdom teeth begin to form at around age nine, completely maturing by 18-21 years. By your late teens, your jawbone has nearly reached its adult size, but usually isn't big enough to hold the wisdom teeth. As a result, these teeth can become trapped in the bone. The tooth's crown may only partially break through the gums, or it may remain in the bone with misshapen or misplaced roots growing dangerously close to the sinus cavity.
It's difficult for us to predict when or if your wisdom teeth will give you problems, but regular x-rays can give us a good indication. Impacted or infected wisdom teeth can cause severe damage. Removal at a young age before complications develop means easier extractions and a much faster recovery time. Talk to us. We will develop a plan to help you make smart choices about your wisdom teeth.
Getting It Done!
Fall's the time
There's a saying, that if you want something done, ask a busy person...but ask them in the fall! Everyone seems to get more efficient once we renew our routines come autumn. All the things that were put aside during the summer become priorities.
As you create your to-do list, please remember to add "book dental appointments." A check-up after the summer of sports drinks and icy treats and interrupted home care is a must, particularly for children. And when sports season gears up. We always recommend custom-fitted mouthguards. They are much more effective than off -the-shelf products. Thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas? Now's the time to book your teeth whitening appointment.
Please be sure to check off your dental to-do list! It's the best way to ensure your oral health and beautiful smile!
Stressed Out?
Call us!
Did you ever think that a dental visit could help you to deal with symptoms of stress? People who are under a lot of pressure grind their teeth, bite their cheeks, and neglect their usual oral health routines like home care and dental visits. Research shows that stress weakens your body's immune system, creating a gateway for an oral bacterial infection that can lead to inflammation of the gums, bleeding gums, and eventually, even the loss of teeth and supporting bone.
There is no single, all-purpose solution to handling tension, but besides booking a dental appointment, here are a few suggestions that could help...
- Don't rely on your memory - write it down.
- Break large tasks into bite size portions.
- Set priorities in your life.
- Get enough sleep.
- SMILE!
Kenneth Hovden DDS - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and smile design to the areas of Daly City and San Francisco.
San Francisco Teeth Whitening
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