CitySmiles Dental Clinic

13/07/2026

😴 This is why persistent mouth breathing should never be ignored during childhood.

Breathing through the nose does much more than deliver air to the lungs. During childhood, normal nasal breathing helps support healthy airway function, proper tongue posture, balanced jaw growth, and normal facial development.

When mouth breathing becomes a long-term habit—often because of allergies, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, or chronic nasal blockage—it may influence how the face and jaws develop over time.

Research has linked persistent mouth breathing with a narrower upper jaw, a high-arched palate, crowded teeth, increased overjet, and a longer, narrower facial appearance in some growing children. These changes are thought to occur because the tongue rests lower in the mouth instead of against the palate, reducing the natural support needed for normal maxillary development.

Not every child who breathes through the mouth develops these features, but the risk is higher when the habit persists during the years of active growth.

Nasal breathing also allows air to pass through the nasal passages, where nitric oxide is naturally produced. This molecule helps improve airflow, oxygen exchange, and circulation. Studies have also associated chronic mouth breathing with poorer sleep quality, lower oxygen efficiency, and daytime problems such as reduced concentration and fatigue.

Facial growth is influenced by many factors, including genetics and overall health. However, persistent mouth breathing should never be considered "normal." Identifying and treating the underlying cause early can help support healthier facial growth, better sleep, improved airway function, and may reduce the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later.

Healthy facial development begins with healthy breathing habits.

• Source: American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO)

21/06/2026

☕🦷 The timing of brushing may matter more than many people realize.

Coffee contains acids that temporarily soften the outer surface of teeth. Brushing immediately afterward can increase enamel wear over time, especially when this becomes a daily habit. Dental professionals often recommend brushing before coffee, as removing plaque first makes it harder for stains to attach to tooth surfaces.

After drinking coffee, a simple rinse with water can help wash away acids and pigments while saliva naturally restores a healthier pH in the mouth. If brushing is needed, waiting about 30 minutes allows the enamel surface time to recover.

A small adjustment in a morning routine may help protect enamel, reduce staining, and support long-term oral health.

11/06/2026

A missing tooth may seem minor, but its effects can spread throughout the mouth. Once a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth often begin drifting into the empty space, creating alignment and cleaning challenges.

As the bite changes, chewing becomes less efficient and extra pressure is placed on surrounding teeth. The opposing tooth may also move into the gap, further disrupting normal function.

Meanwhile, the jawbone beneath the missing tooth gradually loses stimulation and can shrink over time. Replacing missing teeth early helps preserve alignment, bone support, comfort, and overall oral health.

BOTTOM FACT

The jawbone depends on chewing forces to stay strong. After tooth loss, bone volume can gradually decrease in the affected area.

SOURCE

Research in Prosthodontics and Oral Implantology
Studies on Tooth Loss, Bone Resorption, and Occlusal Changes

PMID: 20397508 (Tooth loss and residual ridge resorption)
PMID: 19772847 (Consequences of missing teeth on oral function and health)

DISCLAIMER

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional dental advice. Treatment options vary based on individual needs and should be discussed with a qualified dental professional.

24/05/2026

A tooth infection is more than simple dental pain. When decay reaches the inner pulp of a tooth, bacteria can multiply rapidly and form a dental abscess a pocket of infection near the root or surrounding gum tissue. This may develop from untreated cavities, dental trauma, or unsuccessful previous treatment.

Common warning signs include severe throbbing pain, swelling in the jaw or face, fever, pain while chewing, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. If the infection spreads into nearby tissues or enters the bloodstream, it can trigger widespread inflammation that affects the entire body and may lead to dangerous complications.

Dental experts stress that early treatment is essential. Procedures such as drainage, root canal therapy, or extraction can stop the infection from spreading and protect overall health before the condition becomes more serious.

Source/Credit: Educational dental health information and clinical guidance on dental abscess infections.

20/05/2026

Flossing may do more than protect your teeth and gums — new research suggests it could also be linked to a lower risk of certain types of stroke and an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Researchers followed more than 6,000 adults for 25 years and found that people who flossed at least once a week had a lower risk of ischemic stroke, especially cardioembolic stroke — a type caused by blood clots traveling from the heart to the brain.

The study also found a lower risk of AFib among regular flossers. AFib is a common heart rhythm disorder that can increase stroke risk.

Scientists believe one possible reason is inflammation. Poor oral health and gum disease can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which may affect blood vessels and heart health over time.

Compared to non-flossers, regular flossers showed:
• 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke
• 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke
• 12% lower risk of AFib

Researchers also noted that flossing alone is not enough to prevent stroke, but it may be one small part of an overall healthy lifestyle alongside proper diet, exercise, blood pressure control, sleep, and good oral hygiene.

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body more than many people realize.

📄 Source: American Heart Association News. Research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025.

12/01/2026

When a tooth is lost and not replaced, neighboring teeth slowly drift into the empty space. This silent movement can disrupt bite alignment, creating uneven chewing forces, jaw discomfort, and even strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

At the same time, the jawbone that once supported the missing tooth begins to shrink—a process called bone resorption. Without stimulation from the tooth root, the bone gradually thins, which can alter facial structure and make future tooth replacement, like implants, more challenging and costly.

Additionally, tilted teeth can trap food, increasing the risk of gum disease and decay in surrounding areas. Prompt replacement with implants, bridges, or dentures restores bite stability, preserves bone, and maintains a healthy, functional, and aesthetically balanced smile.
Source: American Dental Association

17/12/2025