Teenagers are notoriously hard to communicate with, and this can be especially true in terms of their health. There are many reasons as to why people are at their most self-conscious at this time. Socially, teens are trying to figure out their place within society and life in general. Testing boundaries is a natural process at this pivotal time in their lives. This includes trying to put off health appointments!
Without the life experience to see the repercussions of when procrastination can go poorly, it can be reasonable to think that pushing off care might help avoid discomfort. But these actions can lead to devastating results in your smile. The development of your last set of molars can pose many different problems, and the best way of limiting damage is through consistent visits to your oral health professional. Today, your Grapevine, TX dentist writes about the importance of routine imagery in the fight to keep your smile looking great as you grow into adulthood!
Why Are They There?
For many teens, the concept of their last set of molars can seem frustrating from the start. These are also known as your wisdom teeth, and they can lead to serious issues with your smile. But frankly, why do we have them if we simply need to remove them?
Well, the answer is a little complicated. Many years ago, early humans ate primarily raw meat. This meant that we needed very strong jaw structures to be able to chew and rip tough material. As we began to cook our food, our faces became slimmer. This left little room for the molars in the back of the jaw.
What Harm Can They Cause?
So now, our smaller mouths have difficulty in fitting this last set into the very back part of our jaw. Even if these grow perfectly straight, they can be very hard to keep properly clean, since they are so far back in the mouth. And they are very close to the hinge of the jaw, so problems with how they fit can be magnified or prevent you from closing your mouth.
If they grow in a way that’s erratic, your wisdom teeth can radically reshape the way your mouth sits. Sometimes these molars grow almost directly sideways, pushing all your teeth toward the front of your mouth. That is a very sever instance, but even slight pushes forward can cause overcrowding.
When your teeth overlap or sit improperly, it can create areas that are difficult to brush and floss. Bacterial decay often sets in in those locations, and can result in a cavity, root canal, or even an extraction!
The best thing you can do is to keep an open discussion with your dental professional. Images taken during routine cleanings and examinations can help to address these concerns before they cause serious harm.
Questions About Your Smile?
If you are a teen, or a parent of one, now is a pivotal time in your life. Your last set of molars can cause a serious roadblock in your development if you do not monitor them. Call us today to schedule an appointment! To learn more, reach us at Share Dentistry in Grapevine, TX today by calling 817-329-6000.
