LIVING, THINKING + BEING MOUTH BREATHING, CROOKED TEETH FREEMANS BAY’S BESPOKE AND LONG FACE SYNDROME AND GENTLE DENTISTS Did you know that if your child grows up breathing through their mouth, their face may develop abnormally? Habitual mouth breathing can result in a longer face and bigger - longer nose. This is because mouth-breathers carry their tongue in the floor of the mouth instead of the roof where its natural function is to act as a brace for the developing jaw and teeth.
Freemans Bay Dental Centre proudly calls itself a bespoke dental practice which means that patients have individual treatment plans to cater for their specific needs.
Mouth breathing can result in a narrower jaw and dental crowding, crooked teeth and in many cases a receding lower jaw. Mouth breathers end up with narrow nasal passages making it even more difficult to breathe through the nose. These children are more likely to need expensive orthodontic work including dental plates and braces.
Patients have often remarked that principal dentist Dr. Sandeep Nagpal is very gentle in his approach. With more than 17 years experience in dentistry, he takes time to listen to his patients and advises them in detail of all the possible treatment options, thus enabling patients to make an informed decision.
Things to look for include frequent blocked or runny nose and mouth breathing even during ‘down time’ - watching TV, reading or at the computer. Symptoms of mouth breathing include; snoring, coughing, dry irritated gums, dry mouth and lips, bad breath, poor sleep, bedwetting, stunted growth, and irritability in the morning. Mouth breathers are more likely to get respiratory infections, enlarged adenoids, glue ear and inflamed tonsils.
Associate dentist, Dr. Isla Melton who works part-time at Freemans Bay Dental, joined the growing practice at the beginning of this year. Dr Isla graduated from the University of Otago in 2008, followed by three years working in Australia.
What can you do? If you think your child might be at risk, phone our clinic to book a consultation or for more information about our programme. We will help correct that mouth breathing habit to help ensure the best outcomes for your child if orthodontic work is necessary and in many, cases with early intervention, avoid the need for braces PN altogether. F Glenn White BSc MSc MBIBH, BUTEYKO BREATHING CLINIC T: 09 360 6291 www.buteykobreathing.co.nz
Enjoying dental treatment in a relaxed and friendly environment is a welcome surprise and many of the patients cannot believe how easy and enjoyable their dental visit has been.
Both dentists keep up-to-date with all the latest research and technology. They continue to enhance their skills and knowledge by reading articles, attending courses and dental conferences regularly. Dr. Sandeep and his team strive to make your dental experience as pleasant and pain free as possible. All aspects of dental treatments are catered for at Freemans Bay Dental. They range from emergency dental treatment to cosmetic dentistry. Composite white fillings, crowns and bridges, hygiene clean, extractions and teeth whitening are all included in the list of services. Treatment for adolescents from age 13 to 17 years old PN is completely free of any cost. F FREEMANS BAY DENTAL, 40 College Hill T: 09 361 3610 www.freemansbaydental.co.nz
L to R: FREEMANS BAY DENTAL team Dr Isla, Dr Sandeep, Monika, Barbara and Hannah
68 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2013
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)