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Thursday, September 6, 2018

Orthodontics and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Orthodontic treatment doesn't just make people’s smiles beautiful; they also help provide relief from serious health conditions. At Ross Orthodontics, we are experienced providers of orthodontic treatment to people whose teeth have shifted as a result of diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis.


When joint tissue comes under attack by the body’s own immune system, it swells and hardens, putting pressure on the joint. Sometimes, this is enough to cause joint deformities. The temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the head, is particularly complex and prone to damage. In children with arthritis, deformation of the temporomandibular joint can result in teeth grinding jaw deformities, leading to malocclusions such as an open bite.


An idiopathic disease is one without a known cause, and every case of juvenile arthritis is different. However, we can work with rheumatologists to devise treatment plans that will fix a child’s teeth with minimal discomfort. Children with arthritis are at greater risk for dental decay due to difficulty cleaning their teeth, but straightened teeth are much easier to care for. Caregivers should also keep in mind that oral liquid medications are commonly high in sugar and it’s a good idea to brush after consuming them, especially while wearing orthodontic brackets.


To learn more about Ross Orthodontics, visit Smiles by Ross. Offices are located in Forest Lake, Minnesota and Hudson, Wisconsin.


 

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