Chew On This!

There are things people do that are well recognized as undesirable then there are habits that are relatively inconsequential...nail biting, hair twirling or even ice crunching for instance. It's done without thought or consideration and that's why by definition it becomes habitual.

Severe Grinding

Dentists have long advised patients of the damage to teeth from habitual grinding. The literature is replete with mouths that have been literally destroyed

Factory Original

by this unwitting whittling. The only fix when this habit occurs over a long period of years is to rebuild the teeth to factory original condition at great time and expense.

Another oral habit, not frequently discussed but pervasive, is cheek and or tongue chewing. Dentists know this habit as Pathomimia Mucosae Oris

Cheek Chewing

and the consequences can be serious in nature with the range of nipping running from the subtle to the absurd. Biopsy is indicated to rule out a potentially serious malady (the big casino).

Tongue Cancer

Psychologists tell us it takes three weeks to create or break a habit.

Watch your mouth...Because Spit Happens!

Oral Health Problems to Report to Your Dentist!

Call your dentist if you develop any of the following signs and symptoms that may suggest oral health problems.

• Red, tender or swollen gums
• Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
• Gums that bleed when you're regularly brushing and flossing
• Pus around your teeth and gums when you press on the gums

                                               

• A bad taste in your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth touch
• Changes in the feel of your dentures
• Sensitivity to hot and cold

A good rule to follow is to give it 48 hours...if things aren't improving, seek the attention of a dentist. Most dental issues will be resolved by the immune response system of your body if you simply give it time. Dentists routinely have patients on their schedule for a sensitive tooth check. When asked how long the tooth has troubled, we often hear something like this: "I took a drink of soda earlier today and it felt really cold." This is not indicative of a problem. Now if the patient's response is: "I took a drink of soda earlier today and it ached for 30 minutes." This tooth is sick and needs treatment asap!

    

                                                    
 The "...it felt cold" is most likely a transient aggravation; is a temporary inconvenience and nearly 100% resolve without treatment. The moral of this dental story is...use common sense about when to call your dentist. But when you're in doubt, always call the dentist, because you don't want to wait until it hurts to seek attention.

Watch Your Mouth...Because Spit Happens!