DEFECTIVE TEETH
A IMPACTED TOOTH IS WHAT?

A tooth that has been prevented from penetrating the gum is said to be impacted. Sometimes a tooth may only be partly impacted, indicating that it has begun to emerge. Oftentimes, impacted teeth create no evident symptoms and are only identified during a routine exam or x-ray with your dentist. Sometimes they can even produce symptoms. When there is not enough room in your mouth for a tooth, it typically gets impacted.

Your wisdom teeth are the most typical impacted teeth. When wisdom teeth, commonly referred to as “third molars,” erupt, the jaw has frequently ceased developing. This means that they might not fit in the mouth or jaw.

The Consequences

Impacted wisdom teeth are challenging to keep clean, which increases the risk of pain, infection, decay, and the decay of nearby teeth.

Impacted canines can alter how teeth move during orthodontic treatment and, depending on their position, may cause the roots of neighboring teeth to resorb, which may cause these teeth to become loose.

The Treatment

We might suggest having impacted teeth, particularly wisdom teeth, extracted. Depending on the patient’s age and the position of the canine tooth, it may be feasible to uncover them and orthodontically realign the tooth into a more advantageous position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the causes of bad breath?

Morning bad breath due to the mouth drying up overnight. Bacteria quickly break down the bits of food left in the mouth resulting in an unpleasant stale smell
Strongly flavoured food such as garlic, onions and spices. Strong smelling drinks such as alcohol and coffee can cause bad breath
Medicines such as nitrates, chemotherapy drugs and tranquilisers
Smoking
Medical conditions such as diabetes, sinusitis, bronchitis and gastritis

How do you diagnose bad breath?

The best way to find out if you have bad breath is to ask a close friend or family member for their honest opinion. Booking an appointment with Smile Hub in Sutton is advisable so that your dentist can confirm if you have bad breath and what is the likely reason for this.

If your bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene your dentist can advise you on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular dental examinations can help detect the early signs of tooth and gum disease which prevents bad breath developing. If your bad breath is food related you could keep a diary of the food you’re eating and any medications that you’re taking. In rare occasions following a visit to your dentist in Smile Hub you may be recommended to attend your GP to identify a medical cause of your bad breath. Please do not try to hide your bad breath before attending your dental check-up in Smile Hub as it may help your dentist to diagnose the problem.

How do I treat my bad breath?

Brush your teeth and gums regularly
Floss between your teeth
Keep your tongue clean

Keep your teeth and mouth healthy:

Choose a small-medium sized toothbrush with soft, multi-tufted synthetic bristles.
Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months.
Brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes each time.
Brush all areas of your teeth, and particularly where the teeth meet the gums.
Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a special single-tufted brush for specific problem areas of your mouth.
Use a separate toothbrush, or tongue scraper, to lightly brush your tongue (some toothbrushes have a ‘tongue cleaner’ on the reverse of the brush head).
Use dental floss to clean between your teeth and remove any trapped food that could cause tooth decay.
Your dentist may suggest daily rinsing with an anti-bacterial or anti-odour mouthwash (this should not replace brushing, but can be included in your daily routine).
Avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after drinking an acidic drink, such as fruit juice, or eating acidic fruit, such as oranges, to help prevent tooth erosion.

How can my dentist help?

Your dentist can recommend the best way to clean your teeth and gums and show you any areas you might be missing. Regular 6 monthly check-ups with your dentist will make sure any plaque is removed from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. It will also ensure any signs of gum disease are treated early.