If you are not getting good sleep, you may also need to get your teeth checked. This may sound surprising, but sleep and dental health are closely connected.

Many people experience worn-out or broken teeth even though they take proper care of them and brush regularly. The reason behind this could be poor sleep. People who do not sleep well are more likely to grind their teeth.

In medical terms, this condition is called Bruxism. It means grinding or clenching teeth during sleep. When we sleep, our body rests but the brain remains active. Sometimes, the brain briefly wakes up—this is known as “micro-arousals.” During these moments, the jaw muscles become active, leading to a condition called sleep bruxism.

As a result, people may grind their teeth, feel tension in the jaw, and experience disturbed sleep. In the morning, symptoms may include jaw pain, sensitive teeth, headaches, and tiredness even after a full night’s sleep. These are not just sleep issues—they can also indicate dental and jaw problems.

In many cases, Obstructive Sleep Apnea can also be responsible. In this condition, breathing temporarily stops during sleep due to low oxygen levels. The body reacts by moving the jaw to open the airway, which increases teeth grinding and further disrupts sleep.

Stress is another common cause. Anxiety, anger, and suppressed emotions can affect jaw muscles. When the mind is not calm, the body often shows its effects at night.

If you are not sleeping well, do not rely only on sleeping pills. It is important to visit a dentist and get your teeth and jaw checked. If bruxism is detected early, both your teeth and sleep quality can improve.

Treatment options may include special devices like sleep appliances or dental guards. These help protect teeth and improve sleep.

Sometimes, the body gives small warning signs—the question is whether we notice them. If you are struggling with sleep, don’t forget to check your teeth.

A unique world record has been set in India. A 26-year-old woman, Kalpana Balan, has a total of 38 teeth in her mouth—six more than the average person. Due to this rare condition, her name has been recorded in the Guinness World Records. This raises an important question: if someone has extra teeth, should they be removed or left as they are?

Typically, an adult has 32 teeth. However, Kalpana Balan has 4 extra teeth in the lower jaw and 2 in the upper jaw. These extra teeth began appearing gradually during her teenage years. While she does not experience significant pain, food often gets stuck between her teeth while eating.

Why do extra teeth occur?

This condition is known as Hyperdontia or supernumerary teeth, where more teeth develop than usual. It is observed in about 3–4% of the global population.

Causes include:

 Overdevelopment of tooth buds
 Genetic factors
 Splitting of tooth buds into two

Should extra teeth be removed or not?

The decision depends on several factors. Extra teeth may be retained if they:

 Do not cause pain
 Do not interfere with chewing
 Do not disturb the alignment of other teeth
 Do not increase the risk of infection or decay

However, regular dental check-ups are essential.

When is removal necessary?

Dentists usually recommend removal if:

 Food frequently gets stuck
 Teeth alignment is affected
 There is difficulty in chewing
 Risk of infection or decay increases

In many cases, extra teeth can be removed easily through minor surgery.

Having extra teeth is rare, but not all cases require removal. If they do not cause problems, they can be monitored under medical supervision.

Surat: According to the report, a woman in Utter Pradesh opened her mouth very wide while trying to eat a large golgappa in one bite. This sudden, excessive mouth opening can cause the mandibular condyle to slip out of ( glenoid fossa )its normal position in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — resulting in a jaw dislocation.

Jaw dislocation is a well-known emergency in maxillofacial practice, especially when the mouth is forced open beyond its natural limit.

Probable Medical Causes

1. Excessive mouth opening

   Trying to fit a large golgappa can push the mandible forward and down, displacing the condyle out of the socket.

2. Weak TMJ ligament support

   Some individuals naturally have looser joints (hypermobility) or weaker supportive ligaments, increasing dislocation risk.

3. Sudden or forceful movement

   Sudden yawning, laughing, biting, or eating can shock the joint.

4. Previous minor TMJ issues

   If the patient had prior clicking, popping, or stiffness, the joint may already be vulnerable.

5. Muscle spasm

   After dislocation, the masseter and pterygoid muscles often spasm, locking the jaw in the open position.

Symptoms That Indicate Jaw Dislocation

 Mouth stuck open and unable to close

 Severe pain near the ears

 Difficulty speaking or swallowing

 Drooling

 Jaw shifted forward

 Inability to bite or chew

1. Immediate Care

 Go to a dental/maxillofacial emergency department.

 A trained  maxillofacial surgeon performs manual reduction — gently guiding the jaw back into place, often under sedation or muscle relaxants.

 Do NOT attempt to push the jaw back forcibly at home.

2. Post-Reduction Care

 compression band around chin and TMJ area

 Soft diet for 1–2 weeks

 Avoid opening the mouth wide

 Support the chin while yawning

 Use warm compresses to relax muscles

 Painkillers and muscle relaxants as prescribed

3. Prevention of Future Episodes

Avoid large bites (golgappa, burgers, rolls, sandwiches in one bite)

Cut food into smaller pieces

 Avoid sudden wide yawning

 Avoid chewing hard food

 If TMJ is naturally loose, consider a stabilization appliance or physiotherapy exercises

Jaw dislocation from eating is uncommon but absolutely possible, especially when someone takes an oversized bite. As maxillofacial surgeons, we emphasize controlled mouth opening, small bites, and early treatment. Timely reduction prevents long-term TMJ damage, chronic pain, and repeated dislocations.

As a practising dental surgeon in Surat, I too often see patients who treat a missing tooth as a minor matter: “It doesn’t hurt, so I’ll get to it later.” But that one gap — far from being harmless — can trigger a cascade of serious health, functional and cosmetic problems over time.

Here is a breakdown of what happens when a tooth is lost and left untreated

1. Jaw-Bone Shrinkage (Resorption)

When a tooth is lost, the underlying jaw-bone no longer receives the usual stimulus of chewing pressure and root forces. The result? That portion of bone begins to resorb (shrink) potentially within months.

This has multiple outcomes:

- Your face may appear sunken or hollow in that region — contributing to a prematurely aged look.

-The ridge of bone becomes thinner and lower, making future implant or prosthetic work more complex or costly.

- Adjacent teeth lose some of their structural “support” and surrounding bone architecture becomes compromised.

2. Neighbouring Teeth & Bite Disruption

Teeth don’t exist in isolation: if one tooth is missing, the teeth beside and opposite the gap will attempt to “fill” the space:

- Adjacent teeth may tilt or drift into the empty space.

- The opposite tooth (in the upper or lower arch) may over-erupt into the gap, since the normal occluding partner is missing.

3. TMJ disorder

• Increased jaw strain: The uneven bite forces your jaw to work harder and in an unnatural way, which can lead to strain on the temporomandibular joint

• Muscle tension and pain: The increased strain can cause inflammation and muscle tension in the jaw, leading to TMJ symptoms like jaw pain,  migraine like headache,clicking, or popping sounds.

• Changes in joint space: Studies have shown that tooth loss can lead to a reduction in the joint space in the TMJ, potentially causing the condyles to shift in position. 

4. Gum / Periodontal Disease Risks

With tooth drift and altered spacing comes the creation of hidden niches and crevices that are hard to clean. Plaque builds up, bacteria thrive, and gum disease (periodontitis) may set in or accelerate.  What’s more, the systemic link between poor oral health and conditions such as heart disease and stroke is now well-established.

5. Nutritional / Functional Impact

If you have a gap, over time you may unconsciously avoid chewing on that side or give up certain foods (crunchy vegetables, nuts, fruits) which are harder to bite. The article points out that this means you may miss out on key nutrients.Reduced chewing efficiency also impacts digestion and may stress other teeth or muscles trying to compensate.

-What Can Be Done?

One of the best ways to counter these problems is a dental implant. An implant replaces both the visible crown and the root structure (via a titanium screw in the bone) which helps prevent bone loss, maintain alignment of neighbouring teeth, and restore chewing power.

From my practical perspective in clinic:

-Timing: The sooner the missing tooth is replaced (ideally within a few months), the less bone resorption and alignment drift takes place.

-Planning: If you wait too long, you may require bone grafts, sinus lifts (in upper jaw) or more complex corrective orthodontics.

-Maintenance: Whatever replacement you choose (implant, bridge, removable prosthesis) good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are key.

-Patient counselling: I encourage my patients to think of a missing tooth not only in terms of “a gap in the smile” but as a structural component of overall health.

-My Advice

Do not dismiss a missing tooth. Even if it doesn’t hurt, it is doing damage quietly.

If you have lost a tooth: Schedule a consultation.If replacement is costly, ask about staged treatment options (temporary removable prosthesis followed by implant when bone is stable).Maintain excellent oral hygiene around adjacent teeth and communicate with your dentist about changes.If you have compensated by avoiding chewing on that side, make a conscious effort to restore the balance.

Every parent wants their child to start the day with a bright smile. But what if that morning smile could reflect not just dental hygiene — but also emotional calm and mental balance?

As a dentist and myofunctional wellness specialist, I’ve noticed something curious in my practice: most people, children and adults alike, brush their teeth without being present. It’s a mechanical act — a box to tick off before rushing to school, work, or the next responsibility.

But brushing, when done mindfully, can be so much more than that.

-Brushing Beyond the Surface

Think of the first two minutes of your morning. You’re standing at the sink, brush in hand, perhaps scrolling your phone or planning the day in your head. The body is brushing — but the mind is elsewhere.

Now imagine instead — you pause. You take a deep breath. You feel the gentle motion of the brush across your teeth. You relax your jaw, unclench your shoulders. You let your thoughts slow down.

That’s mindful brushing: brushing with awareness, attention, and gratitude.

It’s a simple shift, but one that profoundly affects both oral health and emotional wellbeing. When we brush consciously, the jaw relaxes, the nervous system calms, and the body slips into what physiologists call the “rest and digest” mode. You’re not just cleaning your teeth — you’re resetting your mind.

The Mouth–Mind Connection

In dentistry, we often focus on enamel, gums, and plaque. Yet, there’s a deeper connection between the mouth and the mind.

Jaw tension, for example, is one of the most common yet overlooked signs of stress. Many children clench their teeth at night, a habit that can lead to dental wear and even sleep disturbances. Mindful brushing — especially in the evening — helps release that tension naturally.

When brushing becomes a calm, sensory experience, it also nurtures focus and patience. In children, this has ripple effects: they begin their day grounded, not rushed. They end their day soothed, not overstimulated.

Mindfulness Can Be Playful

Parents often tell me, “It’s hard enough to get my child to brush — how can they be mindful about it?”

My answer: make it playful, not perfect.

Play a two-minute song and brush to its rhythm. Ask your child to “count their teeth,” “feel the bubbles,” or imagine they’re giving each tooth a “good morning.” When done together as a family ritual, those two minutes become a time of connection — a shared pause before or after a busy day.

Children imitate what they see. If they watch you brush calmly and with joy, they’ll mirror that energy. Mindfulness doesn’t have to be a lesson; it can be an experience.

The Gentle Science of Awareness

Dentistry has long warned against aggressive brushing — it erodes enamel and harms gums. Mindful brushing naturally solves this problem: when we slow down and stay aware, we automatically brush more gently.

This approach also helps with oral habits like clenching, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing — all linked to muscle tension and stress. A few deep breaths before brushing can activate the body’s relaxation response, improving not just oral but overall health.

A Smile That Reflects Inner Calm

In a world obsessed with speed, mindfulness feels like a luxury. But those quiet moments — like brushing your teeth — are where calm begins.

When your child brushes mindfully, they’re not just protecting their enamel; they’re learning something far more lasting: self-care, patience, and gratitude.

The toothbrush, in this light, isn’t a mere tool. It’s a reminder that health and peace begin with awareness — one gentle stroke at a time.

So tomorrow morning, before you rush out the door, pause for two mindful minutes. Smile — not just because your teeth are clean, but because you’ve started your day in harmony with yourself.

That’s the kind of smile that truly lasts.

Good oral hygiene may do much more than protect your smile — it could also protect your brain. Two new studies published in the journal Neurology have found that poor gum health and tooth decay may increase the risk of stroke and other brain-related diseases.

The research comes from the long-running Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which tracked thousands of people over two decades.

In the first study, researchers led by Dr. Souvik Sen analyzed data from 1,143 older adults who had undergone dental exams in the late 1990s and brain scans years later. They found that people with periodontal (gum) disease had much higher levels of white matter damage in their brains, a condition known as white matter hyperintensity (WMH). These white patches are linked to small vessel disease, a key cause of cognitive decline and stroke.

In simple terms, participants with gum disease had a 56% higher chance of brain vessel damage than those with healthy gums. Scientists believe that chronic inflammation from gum infection may travel through the bloodstream and harm the brain’s delicate blood vessels.

Pyorrhea, or periodontitis, is essentially an infection of the gums.It’s primarily caused by poor oral hygiene that allows plaque and tartar to build up. Smoking or tobacco use further weakens the immune system and slows healing. In some people, genetics make them more susceptible, and factors like hormonal changes, chronic illnesses, or poor nutrition can worsen the condition.

The Stroke Connection

In a second study, the same researchers examined over 5,900 participants who had dental assessments in the 1990s. They were grouped into three categories — healthy gums, gum disease only, and gum disease with tooth decay.

Over a 21-year follow-up, the differences were striking:

- Those with good oral health had a 4.1% risk of ischemic stroke,
- Those with gum disease had a 6.9% risk, and
-Those with gum disease plus cavities had a 10% risk of stroke.

This means that people with severe oral problems were more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke as those with healthy gums.

Why It Matters

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India and worldwide. Traditionally, doctors focus on risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and cholesterol. However, these new studies suggest that oral health might be an equally important piece of the prevention puzzle.

Dr. Sen and his team emphasized that gum disease can trigger widespread inflammation in the body — the same biological process that contributes to heart attacks, strokes, and dementia.

The mouth is the gateway to the brain.These findings show that gum disease doesn’t just reflect poor health — it may actually cause small blood vessel damage that increases stroke risk.

What You Can Do

Experts caution that these are observational studies, so more research is needed to prove direct cause and effect. However, the message for the public is clear:taking care of your mouth could help protect your brain.

Simple habits can make a big difference — brushing twice a day, flossing, regular dental check-ups, avoiding tobacco, and eating a balanced diet.

For decades, neurologists have screened patients for lifestyle risks like smoking and high blood pressure, but not for oral health. That may soon change. As one neurologist put it,“A toothbrush might be one of the simplest tools for brain protection.”

The recent Ahmedabad plane crash shook the nation. Due to the intense fire, the bodies of victims were severely charred beyond recognition. In such a tragic situation, DNA testing was the only resort to identify the deceased — and the only viable source of DNA was teeth.

Heartbreakingly, the identities of children who didn’t yet have premolar teeth could not be confirmed.

This horrific event doesn’t just break our hearts — it raises a critical question:

Do we care for our teeth as much as we should?

Teeth — Silent Guardians of Identity

Most people don’t know that teeth are not only essential for a healthy smile and digestion but also serve as a last source of identity in extreme conditions. When the body is destroyed due to fire, water, or decay, teeth preserve DNA. That is why globally, Forensic Odontology — identification through dental records — is a recognized practice in disaster victim identification.

How to Take Proper Care of Your Teeth

1.Brush twice daily — in the morning and at night.

2. Use dental floss — to clean between the teeth.

3. Visit your dentist every 6 months — to catch early problems.

4. Avoid sugar, tobacco, and pan masala — they damage both teeth and life.

5. Keep dental records and X-rays safe — especially for children.

Children’s Teeth and Identification

In the Ahmedabad crash, many children had not developed their permanent premolar teeth, which made DNA extraction from teeth impossible. This unfortunate reality has become a lifetime sorrow for many parents.

Preserve children’s baby teeth when they fall, and keep their dental history documented. It may save their identity in unimaginable circumstances.

Teeth: A Lifetime Asset

We often care for our heart, lungs, and kidneys — but neglect our teeth. This tragedy teaches us: teeth not only protect your smile, they may one day protect your identity 

in life and even after death.

Teeth are not ordinary. They are a part of your living being, and they might be the only remaining trace of your existence one day.So start today. Take care of your teeth — not just for life, but for what may come after.

“Zindagi ke Saath Bhi, Zindagi ke Baad Bhi.”