Within a row of teeth, if one or two teeth are longer than the others, whenever the upper and lower teeth meet, the longer tooth will make contact with its opposing tooth earlier. To accommodate the movement of the other teeth, the lower jaw will naturally shift. Over time, this can cause strain on the lower jaw position. Therefore, individuals with this condition should consider orthodontic treatment.
Early intervention is the best approach to preventing dental deformities.
Orthodontic treatment typically takes about two years and has no age restrictions. To demonstrate this, one dental specialist even underwent his own orthodontic correction at the age of 70.
Of course, correcting dental misalignment early is best. In China, children's teeth become increasingly crooked with each generation, linked to genetic factors and poor habits. Overly refined diets weaken chewing function, leading to underdeveloped jawbones. Teeth lacking sufficient space naturally crowd together.In contrast, gorillas possess well-developed alveolar bones, resulting in generally straight teeth. Therefore, encourage children to chew coarse, firm foods like sugarcane, fruits, vegetables, and meats, rather than relying on thin porridge and broth. If a child around 3.5 years old develops an underbite, seek prompt dental care. Otherwise, the protruding jaw may worsen, potentially requiring surgical correction later in life.Many children in Guangdong also develop buck teeth, which should be addressed by consulting a specialist and undergoing orthodontic treatment between ages 8 and 10.
Eat breakfast before tooth extraction
Before orthodontic treatment, several teeth are typically extracted to create space.The most common approach involves symmetrically extracting the four first premolars. This preserves the primary chewing teeth while maintaining the integrity of the front teeth, laying the foundation for achieving an ideal bite. In some cases, second premolars or teeth affected by decay, underdevelopment, deformity, or misalignment may be extracted instead.
Experts note that modern anesthetics ensure pain-free extraction, though patients may still feel the dentist's manipulation—such as prying teeth or separating gum tissue. Since teeth are anchored in the jawbone, extraction inevitably causes some damage to bone and surrounding soft tissue. However, skilled practitioners minimize this impact. Moreover, the oral and maxillofacial region heals faster than other body areas.
Additionally, women should avoid scheduling extractions during menstruation. Pregnant women are generally advised to wait until the fourth to sixth month of pregnancy, though it's best to postpone until after delivery. Patients with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases, or hyperthyroidism face higher extraction risks and must stabilize their conditions beforehand. Those with drug allergies, prior radiation therapy, organ dysfunction, or blood disorders must fully disclose their medical history to the dentist.
Some individuals skip breakfast before extraction, believing it keeps the mouth cleaner during the procedure. Experts advise against this practice, as fasting lowers blood sugar levels. This can increase the risk of fainting during anesthesia administration or extraction, potentially leading to loss of consciousness and requiring emergency intervention.
Editor's note: Advances in orthodontic tools and techniques have expanded the age range for treatment while making appliances increasingly discreet, sparing many from additional psychological distress. However, it's crucial to establish healthy eating habits early on—consuming coarse, hard foods is the best strategy to prevent misaligned teeth!