The History of Wisdom Teeth

There are many milestones that mark a coming of age. At 16 you can get your driver’s license, at 18 you’re a legally an adult and most kids then graduate high school and head off to college.  

 

Just like these milestones, there are also several key dental milestones. Your parents remember your first tooth erupting (and the many more that came after), the first tooth you lost, any orthodontic work you had done, and finally getting your wisdom teeth removed. 

 

For the younger generations, most of us remember getting our wisdom teeth out over summer break or between semesters in college. However, removing wisdom teeth hasn’t always been standard. In fact, one common question we get from our older patients who still have their wisdom teeth is if we still need to remove them. Just like with your appendix, wisdom teeth are fine to have until something goes wrong or a risk is identified. And when that happens, it normally requires immediate action. 

 

If you still have your wisdom teeth, it’s important to discuss them with your dentist and determine if they could be doing more harm than good.  

 

Why do we have wisdom teeth? 

 

Sometimes more accurately referred to as our third set of molars, wisdom teeth were necessary once upon a time when our ancestors subsisted on a diet that consisted of tough meats and fibrous roots. In addition, these ancestors had much larger mouths, which could easily fit 32 teeth.  

 

However, as humans evolved and we left the hunter and gatherer lifestyle, our jaws also changed. Thanks to softer foods and more diverse diets, we no longer needed an extra set of molars to help break down food. And with a smaller jaw, 32 teeth could no longer fit properly. Due to this, complications have become common, like teeth that don’t fully erupt and become impacted. Pain and infection always follow. 

 

How did wisdom teeth get their name? 

 

Third molars have been referred to as “teeth of wisdom” since the 17th century and just as “wisdom teeth” since the 19th century. These third molars generally appear much later than other teeth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25 when a person reaches adulthood. It’s generally thought today that they’re called wisdom teeth because they appear so late, at an age when a person matures into adulthood and is “wiser” than when other teeth have erupted. We won’t comment on the “wise” nature of 17 to 25-year-olds, but we’ll agree that these late-erupters definitely come at a later stage of life. 

 

I’m an adult and still have my wisdom teeth, now what? 

 

Dentists and oral surgeons don’t recommend removal just so we have something to do! Instead, we see the problem with wisdom teeth when there is no longer room for them in the mouth, resulting in poor root quality and oddly-shaped or angled teeth. Even if you do have the space in your mouth, there is a higher likelihood that your wisdom teeth could become infected or lead to the development of other periodontal diseases since they’re so far back in the mouth and that much harder to clean. Many times, pulling wisdom teeth is a preventative measure that is done to protect the long-term health of your mouth. 

 

While there is no “correct” time for wisdom tooth removal, the younger you have it done, the easier the healing process. The procedure to remove wisdom teeth varies from patient to patient since sometimes the teeth are impacted or a patient may not have a full set. The procedure shouldn’t be painful with the correct anesthesia, and is almost always done in an outpatient setting. Proper care after the procedure is important to prevent painful side effects like dry sockets. 

 

Removal prior to wisdom teeth causing a problem or resulting in more significant dental work is important. If you or your child still have wisdom teeth and you are looking for a consultation, give our office in Fort Worth a call today!

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Dental Influencers You Should Follow

Have you heard that February is National Children’s Dental Month? 

 

That means it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight one of our favorite social media influencers we follow on Twitter: the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. 

 

If you have little ones in the house or are just curious about best practices for children and their teeth, then follow along at @AmerAcadPedDent for unique insight and one-of-a-kind tips. 

 

Below are some of our favorite tips provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If you have a child or know someone who is looking for a dentist, then give Dr. Ku’s office today! We love working with your family—including down to the littlest ones! 

 

Some of our favorite tweets from major dental influencers this month: 

 

 

Ensuring your children are healthy starts in the womb. While most women assume this means eating healthy, taking vitamins and getting enough rest, it also includes ensuring optimal oral health. Women who have cavities when they are pregnant can pass the bacteria that causes them along to their children, and gum disease can lead to premature birth or low birth weight.  

If you have kids, then you know that they always seem to have an accident at a time when you can’t reach your doctor or dentist. And as we head into the warmer months (which means more play time outdoors and a higher potential for injury), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry provided an easy-to-read overview on what to do in the event of a tooth that is knocked out, a chipped tooth, or excessive bleeding.

This post speaks to something we wholeheartedly believe at Dr. Ku’s office, and which is why we are committed to providing excellent care to even our smallest patients.  

 

Maybe this is why we were named the number-one dentist in Fort Worth by the Fort Worth Star Telegram for the second year in a row.  

 

Creating a dental home for your child creates a familiarity which helps decrease dental anxiety and promote openness.  

When it comes to something as important as your kids’ teeth, parents want to take charge to ensure that everything’s done properly. However, while supervision is important, it is also good to teach being self-sufficiency. This tweet provides a good metric for when your child is ready to floss on their own teeth. When it comes to brushing, you can start even earlier. Let your toddler practice brushing their teeth and then make sure you come in and finish up for them. Creating the habit early will ensure good, lifelong habits. 

As a parent, you have definitely thought about the time missed at school for common maladies like a cold or flu. But children are also suffering from severe oral health problems and missing significant amounts of school, too. Just like good hand washing prevents colds, good preventive oral health helps prevent more severe oral health issues like tooth decay, gingivitis or gum disease. Each of these issues can strike children just as they do adults. 

In addition to this wide range of tips and tricks for parents, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers opportunities for continuing education that help keep our practice on the cutting edge. If you have any questions about how we serve children in Fort Worth, then give our office a call today!

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Solving Bad Breath—For Good

How many times have you been in a meeting where someone whispers something to you? But then, you’re in very close proximity, and instead of concentrating on the answer back to the whispers your mind is racing as you reel back from their terrible breath. 

 

Worse yet, say it’s you who just ate the garlic-fried jumbo shrimp. You’re pressed to answer a question, but as your blood pressure rises and your palms begin to sweat, unable to open your mouth, your colleagues look at you with increasing confusion. 

 

You try to cover your mouth to shield them all from your bad breath, and while they may not have scrunched up their nose in disgust, you are still replaying the moment in your head trying to reassess the situation to determine if they noticed your bad breath. 

 

If bad breath is holding you back personally or professionally, then keep reading as we break down both natural and professional remedies for curing the stink. 

 

Learn what causes bad breath 

 

Before diving into cures, it’s important to know what causes chronic bad breath. 

 

First off, did you know that bad breath odors vary depending on the source or the underlying cause? For example, if you’ve ever eaten an Italian dish heavy in garlic or Tex-Mex heavy in onions, know that what you eat has a direct impact on breath. 

 

However, for many people, bad breath persists long past a meal. In addition to food, certain health conditions, medications, and infections can also cause lingering bad breath. If you can’t shake the bad smell, then it might be time to look at your medications and determine if that or an underlying dental condition (or poor hygiene) causing the problem. 

 

And once the problem is determined it is much easier to cure instead of just masking it! 

 

Mints and gum 

 

If bad breath weren’t a problem, then grocery stores wouldn’t be stocked with mint-flavored gums and candies. In a pinch (or after a meal at our favorite joint in Fort Worth), we commonly reach for a peppermint or stick of gum. As dentists we advocate for sugar-free gum as opposed to a sticky peppermint that can cause more damage. And while these candies many create a temporary fix, they won’t fix the root of the problem. If possible, ditch the mints and brush your teeth after meals to rid you mouth of bacteria that cause the bad breath.  

 

Change your lifestyle 

 

Prior to seeking professional help, there are many at-home changes you can make to curb bad breath or wash it out when it occurs. 

 

First, ensure that you’re brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day. When you are brushing, it’s important to not forget about your tongue. Bacteria that causes bad odors can coat the tongue causing bad breath. Consider using a tongue scraper to really clean it, too. And don’t forget to change your toothbrush out every three to four months! Even though you rinse it off after every use, bacteria can still accumulate. 

 

And finally, don’t forget to make your bi-annual appointments with your dentist. Not only will the professional cleaning allow you to discuss concerns about bad breath with your dentist it will also provide your mouth with a “reset.” 

 

Toothpastes and mouth washes 

 

A common cause of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria on your teeth. Both over-the-counter and prescription-strength mouth rinse can help kill lingering bacteria. In addition, your dentist may also recommend toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill bacteria that cause those bad odors.  

 

Professional help 

 

If at-home remedies aren’t doing the job, it might be time to make an appointment with your dentist to review medications you’re on and discuss any underlying health conditions that could be making bad breath worse. 

 

In some cases, bad breath is a side effect of an underlying disease. Diabetes, liver disease, acid reflux and chronic respiratory diseases can all cause bad breath. If your bad breath is a symptom of one of these disorders, treating the root cause is the best way to reduce and eventually cure your bad breath. Here at Dr. Ku’s office, we can work with both you and your physician to ensure your pre-existing conditions are under control. 

 

Bad breath can be more than just embarrassing. It can cause to stagnation in both your personal and professional life as well. If you are suffering from paralyzing bad breath, it is important you first examine your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits, and then make an appointment with your dentist to ensure there is nothing more significant happening in your mouth.  

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Daniel Tiger Preps Your Kids for the Dentist

All parents understand the importance of taking their kids to the pediatrician, and thanks to robust education efforts there is significant knowledge about when and how often children should go. 

 

However, the same can’t be said for taking your children to the dentist. There are lots of conflicting views online about when you should take your child for the first time and who they should visit. 

 

Just like for doctors, there are both pediatric and family dentists. Here at Dr. Ku’s office, we are equipped to see all members of your family—even the youngest sprouting their first teeth.  

 

Another barrier for taking your kids to the dentist can be anxiety…for both the parent and child. But today, new Daniel Tiger videos help us discuss the prevalence of dental anxiety that often starts early. This video, in particular, is perfect to prep your child for the first trip to the dentist.  

 

Daniel Tiger is beloved in many households with children as he helps walk children through new stages of life. From new siblings to first days of school and even the first trip to the dentist, Daniel is easily relatable to kids. 

In addition to watching this video with your children, we have provided some added best-practice tips below on how to encourage good oral health routines for children! 

 

Building an oral health routine early 

 

It’s important to begin a comprehensive oral health regimen with your children early so the habit is engrained before they reach the defiant toddler years. This includes getting infants used to something being in their mouth, namely a toothbrush. 

 

Use a wet washcloth to gently wipe off your kids’ gums after nighttime feeding. As they start to grow teeth, transition to a child-sized tooth brush with a fluoride-based toothpaste and brush twice a day. 

 

Childhood cavities effect approximately 42% of children aged 2 to 11, and if left unfixed can result in damage to the gums and jaw that will follow them into adulthood. Don’t let the illusion that “just because they are baby teeth” and will fall out decrease the importance of keeping these teeth healthy. Significant damage can be done below the gum line from poor oral health. 

 

Minimize fear of the dentist 

 

Studies have shown that more than 60% of adults have a fear of the dentist. In many instances, this stems from a childhood experience (or lack thereof) at the dentist. 

 

Kids are great at reading body language and listening in on conversations that you don’t think they can hear. In order to combat these statistics, it’s on both the parents and on us to ensure your children are always having a good experience with their dental health and don’t suffer unwarranted anxiety about visits. 

 

On our end, we will make each visit as inviting as possible and interact with every child to reassure them of what we’re doing. We ask parents, in turn, not to project any anxiety on their children—and possibly even offer an incentive for coming in. Whether that’s a trip for ice cream (don’t forget to brush your teeth after!) or a small toy or collection of stickers, having something to look forward to can make the whole process more enjoyable for everyone. 

 

Investing in your children’s oral health is an investment in their future. From brushing to braces and everything in between, your kids’ smile is an import health and social aspect of their life. Keep ‘em bright and white for life by implementing a solid plan early! 

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