Super Models: The Dental Connection!

Grinding is a very common problem due to the extreme stress that most individuals deal with these days! Although most people think that Hollywood stars and super models are exempt from everyday stresses, Chrissy Teigen found herself experiencing the long-term effects of years of grinding while on a recent film shoot in Bangkok.

Chrissy recounted in an interview that she had chipped some teeth after years of grinding at night.  She explained, "I'm a grinder. I grind like crazy at night time. I had temporary teeth in that I actually ground off on the flight to Thailand." Thankfully, she was able to finish the job in spite of her mishap.

Like stress, teeth grinding is a problem that can affect anyone.  In fact, the two conditions are often related. Sometimes, the habit of clenching occurs subconsciously during the day, when you are trying to cope with a stressful situation.  Other times, it can occur at night while sleeping, which is why 90% of nocturnal grinders retain no memory of grinding in the morning.  Either way, it's a behavior that can seriously damage your teeth.

When teeth are constantly subjected to the extreme forces of bruxism (clenching and grinding), their hard covering can quickly start to wear away.  In time, teeth can become chipped, or worn down, even loose.  Bruxism can also lead to thermal sensitivities and headaches.

Although grinding at night or during the day can damage your smile, there are preventative dental treatments to prevent the adverse long term dental effects.  If you have any questions about grinding or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Soft Drinks: The Dental Connection!

Depending upon what part of our great country that you reside, Soft Drinks are called many things from "Sodas, Pop or just Coke!"  Although one of these sweet drinks may not hurt your teeth, drinking them are a regular basis can make them a true enemy of a healthy smile!

Soft drinks are one of America's favorite drinks.  The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says that about half of all Americans drink them regularly, averaging 2.6 glasses each and every day.

That's a lot, considering that soft drinks are very acidic, full of sugar, and have little to no nutritional value.  It may surprise you to learn that it's actually the acidity of colas, not the sugar, that poses the biggest threat to your teeth.  Over time, repeated exposure to soft drinks wears down tooth enamel, leaving teeth stained and less able to prevent cavities.

As enamel wears away, teeth can become very discolored, take on a rough texture, and become highly sensitive to hot or cold.  Your teeth may start to tingle, and brushing or flossing can cause pain.  If not checked by your dental professionals, teeth may start to erode, become thinner and more likely to chip or crack.  That's a pretty high price to pay for a glass of "the real thing!"

Of course, soft drinks are not the only causes of tooth erosion.  Coffee, wine, and some fruit juices are also highly acidic, though these drinks tend to have less acidity than a typical soft drink.

TIPS TO LESSEN THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF SOFT DRINKS

• Cut Way Back On All Acidic Drinks
• Add More Plain Water To Your Diet
• Drink All Acidic Drinks Through A Straw
• Don't Be Confused: Diet Soft Drinks Also Contain Acid
• Rinse Your Mouth After Consuming Any Acidic Drink
• Wait To Brush Your Teeth For About Twenty Minutes After Any Acidic Drink

If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT