Left side

1. What is the left side deviation?

Hemifacial asymmetry is a condition in which one side of the face (the left) tends to be smaller or lower than the other. This can affect the appearance and sometimes the function of the face.

When you have left-sided facial deviation, you may notice:
– One side of the face appears “flatter” than the other
– The chin tends to tilt to one side
– Asymmetrical lips when smiling
– Eyes may not be level

2. Causes of left-sided facial deviation

There are many causes that can lead to left-sided facial deviation:

a. Genetics:

Sometimes, an asymmetrical facial bone structure can be due to genetics inherited from the parents.

b. Bad habits:

– Chewing on one side: Regularly chewing food on only one side can cause uneven facial muscle development.
– Sleeping on your side: The habit of sleeping on one side for a long time can affect the facial bone structure.
– Poor posture: Constantly tilting your head or resting your chin on your hand can put uneven pressure on your face.

c. Injury:

Accidents or trauma to the face can alter bone and muscle structure.

d. Pathology:

– Sinusitis: Can cause swelling on one side of the face, creating a feeling of imbalance.
– Facial paralysis: Due to nerve damage, can cause one side of the face to become weak or paralyzed.

e. Tooth loss:

Missing teeth on one side of the jaw can lead to uneven jaw development.

f. Malocclusion:

When teeth do not fit properly, it can cause facial imbalance.

3. Signs of left-sided facial deviation

To recognize left-sided facial deviation, you can observe the following signs:

– When you look straight into the mirror, you see that one side of your face appears “fuller” than the other.
– The midline of the upper front teeth is not aligned with the midline of the nose and chin.
– When smiling, one side of the lip tends to curl up higher than the other.
– One side of the jaw appears more defined than the other.
– Eyes may not be level.
– When chewing, you feel one side of your jaw working more than the other.

4. Harmful effects of left-sided facial deviation

A left-sided face not only affects aesthetics but can also cause many health problems:

a. Psychological impact:

– Reduced confidence in communication
– Can lead to depression or anxiety about appearance

b. Problems with chewing and digestion:

– Difficulty chewing food
– Can lead to digestive problems due to poor chewing

c. Headache and muscle pain:

– Uneven muscle tension can cause headaches
– Pain in the jaw and face

d. Temporomandibular joint problems:

– May cause a clicking sound when opening the mouth
– Pain when chewing or talking

e. Effects on teeth:

– Uneven tooth wear
– Increased risk of tooth decay and gingivitis on the side that is chewed a lot

5. If your face is on the left side, which side should you chew on?

Many people wonder which side they should chew on when their face is on the left side. The answer is: you should try to chew on both sides equally.

Reason:

– Chewing evenly on both sides helps stimulate facial muscles to develop evenly.
– Helps distribute chewing force evenly, avoiding overloading one side.
– Reduces the risk of uneven tooth wear.
– Stimulates saliva secretion on both sides, helping to clean the oral cavity better.

If you are used to chewing on one side, try to change gradually. Start by being aware of your chewing habits and try shifting your food to the side you chew less on.

6. How to fix left side deviation

a. Adjusting habits:

– Avoid sleeping on one side for too long
– Avoid resting your chin or head on your hand
– Practice chewing evenly on both sides.

b. Facial muscle training:

– Practice facial muscle exercises regularly
– Gently massage your face to stimulate blood circulation

c. Orthodontics:

– Braces can help correct the bite, thereby improving facial balance.
– In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be needed.

d. Dental treatment:

– Fillings or porcelain crowns to balance the bite
– Implant if tooth is lost

e. Cosmetic surgery:

– In cases of severe facial asymmetry, cosmetic surgery may be considered.
– However, this is the last resort and should be considered carefully.

f. Physical therapy:

– Physical therapy exercises can help improve facial muscle balance.
– Neuromuscular stimulation techniques may be useful in some cases.

7. Preventing left-sided facial deviation

To prevent left-sided facial deviation, you can apply the following measures:

a. Maintain correct posture:

– Sit up straight, avoid tilting your head for too long
– When sleeping, try to lie on your back instead of on your side.

b. Dental care:

– Brush your teeth and floss regularly
– Dental check-up every 6 months

c. Practice chewing evenly on both sides:

– Be conscious of chewing and try to use both sides of your jaw.

d. Facial muscle training:

– Do facial muscle exercises every day
– Gently massage your face to stimulate circulation

e. Stress reduction:

– Stress can cause uneven facial muscle tension.
– Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation

f. Avoid bad habits:

– Do not put pencils or other objects in your mouth.
– Avoid grinding your teeth or biting your nails

8. When should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

– Notice a sudden change in facial symmetry
– Feeling pain or discomfort when chewing
– Difficulty opening your mouth or speaking
– Feeling self-conscious about appearance due to facial asymmetry

The doctor may be a general practitioner, dentist or specialist depending on the cause of the facial asymmetry.

9. Frequently asked questions about left-sided squint

a. Will left-sided facial deviation heal on its own?

In some mild cases and in growing children, the condition may improve on its own. However, in adults, intervention is often needed to correct it.

b. Does left-sided facial deviation affect health?

Can affect dental health, cause headaches, and in some cases, affect chewing and digestion.

c. Can left facial asymmetry be treated without surgery?

In many cases, this condition can be improved with lifestyle changes, facial muscle exercises, or non-invasive dental treatments.
However, facial exercises alone only have a supporting effect and cannot completely replace orthodontic methods.

d. Is left-sided facial deviation hereditary?

There may be a genetic component to facial bone structure, but many cases are due to habits or environmental factors.

e. Can braces help improve left-sided facial asymmetry?

In many cases, braces can help improve your bite and thereby balance your face.

Conclude:

Asymmetrical face on the left side is a condition that can affect both aesthetics and health. However, with the right understanding of the causes and remedies, you can completely improve this condition. Remember, every face has its own beauty, and the most important thing is that you feel confident in yourself. If you are worried about asymmetrical face, do not hesitate to consult with experts.
Doctors at Sakura Dental Clinic are ready to advise you, please contact us!