WHY DO DENTISTS always warn against chewing ice? It’s because it’s a habit that can do serious and permanent damage to the teeth and gums. Even when ice-chewers know this, they can still find it difficult to quit, so let’s take a closer look at what chewing ice can do to dental health and why people do it.
THIS YEAR ALONE, the American Cancer Society estimates over 54,000 new cases of oral cancer just in the US. When we say “oral cancer,” we’re usually referring to a broad range of cancers affecting various parts of the mouth and throat. While the survival rate of these cancers has been rising in recent decades, we want to help the fight by educating our patients about the symptoms and risk factors this Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
HARMFUL CHILDHOOD HABITS LIKE thumb sucking past toddlerhood, nail-biting, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing can all contribute to orthodontic problems such as to a narrow upper arch, an underdeveloped lower jaw, an open bite, or dental crowding. These can all make it more difficult to speak clearly or chew and swallow effectively, and they can be corrected with braces but parents might be able to head them off early by discouraging the habits causing them.
WE USUALLY THINK of teenagers when we think of braces, but fully-grown adults haven’t missed their chance to have straight teeth. Modern orthodontics can help patients of any age, including patients who previously had braces but whose teeth have shifted out of alignment again over time.
OUR TEETH ARE meant to fit together in a specific way. That’s how we chew our food effectively and pronounce our words clearly. When someone’s upper and lower teeth don’t fit together well, that’s a malocclusion or “bad bite.” Malocclusions can cause jaw problems, contribute to speech impediments, make teeth more likely to break, and even make digestion less efficient.
A PERFECTLY STRAIGHT smile is not only aesthetically pleasing; it is a vital component of your overall health. Many people seek orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons, but the benefits of having straight teeth extend far beyond appearances. Straight teeth can contribute to a healthier mouth, a better bite, and improved speech. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of having straight teeth and how orthodontic treatment can help achieve them.
AS PARENTS, THERE ARE so many things we must teach our children so that they are ready to go out into the world as adults. One lesson we prioritize as dentists is teaching them how to floss properly. We’re happy to give parents everywhere our best tips on how to train a great flosser.
ON AVERAGE, BOYS and men are up to 20% less likely to brush twice a day and even less likely to replace their old toothbrushes on a regular basis than girls and women. Luckily, it’s a simple problem to fix: make brushing for two full minutes a regular part of the morning and nighttime routine! And don’t forget to floss once a day as well.
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