Beautiful Smiles Lead to Beautiful Speech

Let your smile help your words flow!

A smile is often worth a thousand words, especially for the many people who struggle with speech problems. Sadly, many people get in the habit of keeping their mouths closed and keeping their words inside because of a variety of dental or orthodontic issues. The good news is that Pediatric Dental Specialists not only can help you light up the world with your beautiful smile, but Drs. Cervantes, Cortez, Planells, and Sanchez may be able to help correct problems that exist in your facial structure that lead to several speech problems.

In order to create speech, the parts inside our mouths have to work together to form the sounds we use for communication. If the teeth, tongue, and palate are misaligned, patients may experience difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. These mispronunciations may be thought of as cute in toddlers, but for older children and adults who suffer with this speech problem, it is a hardship that can lead to self-confidence issues later in life. Orthodontic treatment can correct this misalignment and facilitate correct speech pronunciation patterns.

Another common speech disorder related to misalignment is called a lisp, which exists when a person is unable to make specific sounds. Many preschoolers lisp as they learn speech patterns. However, pediatricians recommend an orthodontic evaluation if the child lisps as he or she begins elementary school age. Again, orthodontic treatment may be able to correct the structural misalignments that lead to lisping.

A third form of speech problem occurs when you slur your speech. Often, slurred speech is categorized by the poor pronunciation of words, change in speed or rhythm during talking, or mumbling during speech. Sometimes people slur their speech because the structure of the jaw or placement of teeth restricts the movement needed to speak clearly and distinctly. Orthodontic treatment may be just the tool to help people speak clearly, distinctly, and fluidly.

Though orthodontic treatment might not result in a remedy for all speech problems, many people who struggle with speech problems benefit from orthodontic treatment. Come in today to discover how our talented doctors and caring staff can give you a beautiful smile that frames beautiful speech.

The Tooth Truth

Here at Pediatric Dental Specialists, we consider dental health to be an integral part of overall good health. Our practice philosophy is to provide dental education and treatment, as well as orthodontics, for children, teens, and those with special healthcare needs. We believe that good dental health can instill a sense of well-being, provide a lifelong smile, and promote good overall health.

To that note, let’s talk about the truth about our teeth. Our bone and gum tissues are supported by our teeth. If this support is lost or is poorly aligned, then our bone and gums can begin to erode. If the teeth are properly aligned the bone and gums are less likely to erode.

Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before your food ever enters your stomach, it has to be chewed by your teeth. This process is called mastication. The food has to be partially broken down before entering your stomach to be properly digested. Braces straighten your teeth and give you the alignment you need to properly chew your food. 

If you are concerned about your alignment, or simply have questions on how to improve your child’s dental health, let’s talk! Our caring team takes pride in providing exceptional care to patients of all ages. We also have links to great additional resources on our website. To access those links, click here.

Out With The Old & In With The New

With cold and flu season starting, germs seem to be lurking everywhere! While it’s difficult to avoid catching the office cold or flu bug, you can help keep your number one oral hygiene accessory in great shape by replacing your toothbrush regularly. Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush? It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one every 3 to 4 months, and directly after any cold or flu. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn, that is a clear sign that you need a new toothbrush. People who wear braces will likely need to replace their toothbrushes frequently, as braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness.

It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement. You may be thinking "My toothbrush is fine, I have it broken in just the way I like it”. While that could be true, did you know that your old toothbrush could actually be harming your mouth?

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush

1.     Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. Now, this isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck.

2.     Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that… an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque.

3.     Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush. Germs and bacteria in your mouth require brushing twice a day, every day.

If you feel like changing your toothbrush every three months is wasteful, we’ve got a solution! Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning around facet fixtures and tile grout. They can even be used to clean tools, computer keyboards, and tennis shoes! Make sure to mark your calendar as a reminder to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months. If you need a few tips on keeping your smile in tip-top shape, make sure to ask at your next appointment with us!