Before your child engages in the playing of any wind instrument, a New York orthodontist advises the parents to first talk to the dentist. Gum difficulties and faulty teeth alignment are just a few of possible dental problems one might incur from playing a musical instrument, the orthodontist explains. Instruments are being assigned to students in schools for their musical classes on a haphazard basis, he said in one report published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.
Later on, it will be discovered that the instrument picked out doesn't really suit them dentally or temperamentally. As a result, musicians would end up being handicapped from the start and only play the instrument with average skill. A good dentist should be able to tell patients involved in playing of musical instruments how certain wind instruments may be the root cause of certain dental problems.
It is recommended that a dental consultation first take place before making any decision in the part of child and parents to pursue the playing of that instrument. Wind instrumentalists often have problems with body tissue illnesses which are most often caused by single reed instruments, the dentists point out. This is because a lot of the instrument's weight is put upon the lower lip which is supported by the teeth. He said that continuous pressure on the area could cut off the flow of blood rushing into the affected bone area.
Teeth alignment may be harmed by the unintentional increase of that the lower jaw muscles may exert. Also, playing the brass instruments, like the trumpet, trombone and horns, causes compression of the lips against the upper and lower teeth. He said extended periods of playing these instruments have caused some mobility or unnecessary movement of the teeth. He said anyone with sharp or irregular front teeth would suffer lip pain playing the oboe or bassoon and a person with a short upper lip would have difficulty playing the flute.
There is also a possibility of acquiring dental problems through the playing of string instruments. He said previous studies have shown that continuous violin playing causes much pressure on the jaw, especially the part which holds the violin against the shoulder, and this may lead to a faulty bite in some people. By getting an oral examination, a would be musician would avoid any possible dental problems that could arise from playing instruments. With proper recommendations given early, issues on dental suitability and oral health need not be a problem anymore and a would be musician would not experience handicap playing his favorite musical instrument.
Getting checkups early on will allow you to avoid problems later in life. Playing a wind instrument is one such case that requires you to have checkups first. Whether it's music, sports or any other kind of activity, going to see your dentist should be a priority.
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