Understanding Jaw Alignment: Overbite or Recessed Jaw?
I've been experiencing a dental issue akin to that shown in the video. I’m curious to know if my jaw is positioned further back than normal or if it’s simply a case of an overbite. Any insights? Background: I’m a 19-year-old from India dealing with this concern.
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 3:01:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're seeking clarity on your jaw alignment concerns. Understanding whether you have an overbite or a recessed jaw is crucial for addressing any discomfort or dental issues you may be facing.
Main Points:
- A recessed jaw (also known as a retruded mandible) means your lower jaw is positioned further back than the upper jaw.
- An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively.
Explanation:
- Recessed Jaw: If your jaw seems further back and you notice that when your teeth are closed, the lower lip may not align or appears sunken, this might indicate a recessed jaw. This condition can lead to difficulties in biting or chewing and sometimes jaw joint pain.
- Overbite: On the other hand, if your upper teeth significantly cover your lower teeth, and you feel discomfort or have difficulty biting down evenly, you might be experiencing an overbite.
Both conditions can affect your facial appearance and dental health. If you are experiencing pain, difficulty with chewing, or other concerns, it's important to address them.
Next Steps:
- Self-Assessment: Observe how your teeth align when your mouth is closed. Take note of any discomfort when biting or chewing.
- Take Photos: Document how your jaw looks from different angles. This can help track changes and is useful if you seek a professional opinion later.
- Jaw Exercises: Practice gentle jaw exercises to see if they help with any discomfort. For instance, try gently opening your mouth as wide as comfortable and holding for a few seconds.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of any symptoms you experience, especially if there's discomfort or changes in your bite.
- Consider Professional Evaluation: If your concerns persist or worsen, seeing a dental professional or orthodontist might be beneficial for an expert analysis and treatment options.
Please remember, understanding jaw alignment concerns is important not just for your oral health but also for your overall well-being. Feel free to reach out if you have further questions!
Related Questions
23F: Strategies for Healing an Abscess and Minimizing Scarring
Recently, I had a few tiny whiteheads on my thigh that I mistakenly popped, which led to an abscess. After noticing significant swelling, I sought help at the ER, where medical staff discovered some fluid accumulation beneath the skin. The doctor executed a cross-shaped incision on my thigh, approximately half an inch in size. Rather than packing the wound, he instructed me to clean it daily while keeping it open for better drainage. I'm quite concerned about the appearance of the incision, particularly since the abscess site is only on one side of the cross, and I fear it might lead to an unsightly scar due to skin stretching. Is there a method to encourage the other three edges of the incision to heal together while maintaining drainage on one side? Would revisiting the clinic for packing and possibly gluing the other three sides be advisable? Also, I've heard about adhesive tapes that might help pull the skin together. I understand the importance of keeping some drainage, yet the uncertainty about the healing process is really distressing for me.
Strange Sensations in My Legs
I’m a 24-year-old male, weighing 176 pounds. I don’t smoke and only occasionally have alcohol. For the past few weeks, I've been experiencing an unusual tingling or static-like feeling in my legs. At times, it seems as though my kneecaps feel very cold, especially around that specific area, and occasionally this sensation extends to the tops of my feet. The main issues I’ve noticed include a constricting feeling in my calves, a tingling sensation at the soles of my feet, involuntary twitching of my toes, and a cold feeling around the knees and the tops of my feet—this occurs in both legs. My posture has not been ideal; I have an anterior pelvic tilt which contributes to some discomfort in my lower back. After undergoing an MRI, the results showed only mild facet arthropathy at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 joints. Initially, I was concerned about ankylosing spondylitis, but tests for the HLA-B27 gene came back negative. Could there be any other underlying reasons for these symptoms? Sometimes, it feels as though there are tight bands around my ankles, with the tingling sensations primarily occurring from my knees down to my feet. I would appreciate any insights into whether anyone else has encountered similar symptoms, especially since I also struggle with general health anxiety, which may be exacerbating these feelings.
Evaluating the Continuation of Lovenox Injections Postpartum
I am a 31-year-old Caucasian woman, six weeks removed from a cesarean section performed at 28 weeks of pregnancy. Following the surgery, I experienced significant bleeding and required two units of blood transfusions. Initially, I felt well for roughly two and a half weeks until I suffered a syncopal episode in the NICU while visiting my twins. During this visit, a small pulmonary embolism was discovered in my right lower lung. Consequently, I was started on a heparin drip in the hospital and subsequently released with a prescription for Lovenox injections since I am currently pumping breast milk. On July 14th, I returned to the emergency room exhibiting symptoms identical to those I had previously: fainting, perspiration, intense pain in my back and chest, breathlessness, a slow heart rate, and low blood pressure. They conducted a series of tests, including a chest X-ray and CT scans of both the chest and head, all of which returned normal results and confirmed that my embolism had resolved. Despite these findings, the cause of my symptoms remained unexplained, as my ECG and troponin levels were within normal limits. The attending ER physician suggested that I might have experienced a vasovagal response triggered by pain; however, they did not clarify what caused the pain. I was discharged with instructions to continue the Lovenox injections until my appointment with my hematologist on August 4th. Upon checking my patient portal today, I noticed that my liver enzyme levels from the ER visit were elevated. Specifically, my ALP levels reached 147, with AST at 126 and ALT at 81, whereas previous tests during my hospital stay noted normal readings. These elevated levels were not previously discussed with me, though I have learned that Lovenox can potentially increase liver enzyme levels. I am unable to consult with my hematologist, as he is on vacation until August, and I can only engage with healthcare providers through referrals. Considering that my embolism has cleared and my doctor attributes it to my cesarean section, I find it concerning because I have never experienced blood clots before and have had only mild anemia in my medical history. I am increasingly anxious about the possibility of liver damage stemming from these recent developments.
Elevated WBC Count Without Infection: What's Going On?
At 25 years old, I received a diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis alongside ongoing health issues and anxiety disorder. Let me provide some context: Last Saturday, I began experiencing a sharp pain on my left side. The next day, I started my initial dose of Zepbound (2.5 mg) for obstructive sleep apnea. By Monday and Tuesday, nausea had intensified, leading to multiple bouts of vomiting, and my appetite was nearly nonexistent, although I made sure to stay hydrated with water and electrolytes. Come Wednesday, while the vomiting had subsided, the pain on my left side became increasingly severe, prompting me to seek help at the emergency room. After undergoing a CT scan, I was diagnosed with epiploic appendagitis. During my time in the ER, blood tests were conducted, revealing a white blood cell (WBC) count of 14.4 x 10(9)/L, which alarmed me as it’s the highest level I've ever recorded. I'm left wondering why my WBC is so elevated when I don't exhibit any signs of illness; is this significant or a cause for concern, particularly in the absence of other symptoms? Additionally, I have been experiencing mild headaches daily, typically more pronounced later in the day; these began following my first injection. Should there have been any serious underlying issues, would that not have been reflected in the blood tests? I'll share the blood work results in the comments below for further insight.
Understanding Foot Blisters: Possible Causes
I’m an 18-year-old female, standing at 4’11” and weighing 115 pounds. Currently, I’m not taking any medications and I smoke cannabis regularly. Throughout my life, I haven’t experienced any significant health issues, neither in the past nor now. However, today I noticed some blisters on my foot that suddenly appeared. After finishing my shift at work, I discovered that my sock had adhered closely to my skin. Upon removing it, I was surprised to find blisters underneath. It's worth mentioning that I tend to sweat excessively while working, often to the point that it seems like I’ve just stepped out of a shower. Although I walk a lot during my shifts, it didn’t bother me until I actually saw those blisters. They are quite itchy, accompanied by some blanching, but interestingly, they don't cause any actual pain. There's also one blister located near my ankle. This is my first experience with blisters, as I haven’t encountered them anywhere else before. Could this possibly be related to HSV, eczema, or perhaps heat rash?