Our Blog

Chew on This

December 30th, 2013

A Sticky Story: The History of Gum

The ancient Greeks chewed a substance called mastiche to freshen their breath. The chewy material was made of resin from the bark of the mastic tree, which is native to Greece and Turkey.

In the tropical rainforest of what is now Central America, members of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization had their own version of chewing gum, called chicle, which was derived from the sap of the sapodilla tree (known by locals as the chicozapote tree).

North America also produced gum-friendly trees: it is said that Native American tribes in modern-day New England introduced their gum-chewing habit to early colonists. The ubiquitous spruce provided a chewy resin that the natives found thirst-quenching.

In the late 1800′s, an American inventor named Thomas Adams endeavored to make various rubber products (including toys, galoshes, and bicycle tires) out of chicle he had imported from Mexico. He failed in each attempt, and found himself with a seemingly useless supply of chicle.

One day he was inspired with the idea to use the chicle as a base for chewing gum. By the end of the century, Adams, Sons, and Co. was the most profitable chewing gum company in the country, and went on to create one of America’s best-loved gums – you guessed it: Chiclets!

As you might imagine, there’s not enough chicle in the world to keep up with today’s high demand for chewing gum. Most gums today are made of synthetic latex combined with sweeteners, softeners, flavorings, and colorings.

Test your gum-ption with this trivia quiz!

1. Swallowed gum remains in your stomach for:

A. 2 years
B. 7 years
C. 8 years
D. None of the above

2. Forward-looking scientists believe a special type of gum may help prevent:

A. Arthritis
B. Cancer
C. Broken bones
D. Blindness

3. Research suggests that chewing gum after ____ will help you heal faster:

A. Abdominal surgery
B. Tonsillitis
C. Appendicitis
D. Lasic surgery

4. The Chewing Gum Action Group was created in England to:

A. Introduce preschool children to the wonderful world of gum
B. Lobby Parliament in the interest of gum companies
C. Teach citizens to throw their used gum in garbage bins
D. Provide free chewing gum to underprivileged families

5. A new type of gum claims to reduce bacteria in your mouth by:

A. 10 times
B. 50 times
C. 80 times
D. 300 times

6. Chewing gum was strictly forbidden in ____ between 1992 and 2004:

A. Croatia
B. Belize
C. Morocco
D. Singapore

Trivia Quiz Answers

1. D: None of the above. Contrary to popular belief, swallowed gum does not set up shop in your stomach for years. While we don’t recommend that you swallow your gum, we can assure you that the parts of gum that cannot be digested simply pass through your system, as would any other roughage.

2. B: Cancer. In Finland, a group of scientists have proposed that chewing gum containing an amino acid called cysteine may be able to prevent cancer of the digestive tract.

3. A: Abdominal surgery. A group of California doctors have announced research that indicates that chewing gum can help patients recover more quickly from abdominal surgery, thereby reducing their hospital stays by a day or more.

4. C: Teach citizens to throw their used gum in garbage bins. Gum litter in England is such a problem that gum manufacturers, local governments, and other interested parties have teamed up to form the Chewing Gum Action Group, which facilitates advertising campaigns to teach people to dispose of their gum properly.

5. B: 50 times. A German chemical company recently revealed its plans to manufacture gum that contains a bacteria found in yogurt. Supposedly, this gum would reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth by 50 times.

6. D: Singapore. With a law passed in 1992, Singapore banned the import and sale of chewing gum. In 2004, the ban was revised and gum is now allowed into the country, but only for “therapeutic” reasons – in particular, nicotine gum that is used to help quit smoking.

Bruxism: Are You Grinding Your Teeth?

December 23rd, 2013

You’ve probably read about “gnashing of the teeth.” Authors from Mark Twain to Charles Dickens to the scribes of biblical times have referenced this popular idiom for an expression of extreme anger. But if you find yourself or a family member gnashing or grinding teeth, the more likely culprit is not anger, but stress.

The medical term for teeth grinding or clenching is “bruxism,” a word that comes from the Greek “brychein” which means “to gnash the teeth.” Although there’s not a firm consensus in the medical community regarding the exact causes of bruxism, it is widely thought that stress is a contributing factor in many cases.

Because bruxism frequently takes place during sleep, it can be tricky to identify the problem. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms. If you suspect that you or a family member is experiencing bruxism, schedule an appointment with us immediately. Because continuous teeth grinding can cause long-term damage, the sooner it’s addressed, the better.

Signs of bruxism include:
Sensitivity in the teeth
Tightness or pain in the jaw
Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth
Night grinding that is loud enough to disturb the sleep of those nearby

Adults and children alike are prone to teeth grinding, although in young children the habit tends to be age-related – bruxism can coincide with the arrival of new teeth – and in most cases is simply outgrown.

For children and adults suffering from bruxism, seek out signs of stress and take steps to alleviate anxiety, especially just before bedtime. Stretching exercises and massage, especially in the jaw area, can help. You can also try holding a warm washcloth or heated rice sack against the jaw to relieve tension.

Other ways to manage bruxism include:
Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

Although slight cases of bruxism don’t cause permanent damage, severe or long-term moderate cases can result in chipped teeth, worn enamel, and chronic pain. Bruxism can also lead to or worsen temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMJ). If someone in your family is experiencing bruxism, schedule a visit to our office right away. We can check for damage, determine the severity of the situation, and recommend methods of managing the problem – before long-term damage occurs.

From Kissing to Metal Detectors: Braces Myths Unraveled

December 16th, 2013

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) sets the record straight on some of the biggest myths surrounding braces and orthodontic treatment. Currently more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces. Below are the answers to some of the most popular – and strange – questions AAO members have received from their patients during the past year:

If two people with braces kiss, can their braces become locked together?

With today’s smaller sleeker braces it is extremely difficult – almost impossible – to lock braces while kissing. Also, braces are not magnetic, which means any “attraction” felt is on the part of the wearers, so pucker up!

Will my braces set off the metal detectors in the airport?

You are cleared for takeoff – the lightweight materials used in braces will not affect metal detectors.

Can braces rust?

No. Today’s braces are made of new stronger materials, like titanium alloy, and will not rust.

Will my braces interfere with radio signals or electronic devices?

No. Radio-loving gadget fanatics can rest easy.

Can I play a musical instrument?

Yes – that is if you could play a musical instrument before you got braces.

Will braces increase my chance of being struck by lightning?

No. With or without braces the chances of a lightning strike remain the same which, in the U.S. in any one year, according to nationalgeorgraphic.com, is one in 700,000.

Now that I have braces, can I still play sports?

Yes, but be sure to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available. Not only can mouth guards save teeth, they may also protect against jaw fractures. Mouth guards are advisable for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

Will my braces attract unwarranted attention from fish?

Scuba aficionados take heart: there is no need to cancel your next dive. The small brackets used in today’s braces, especially ceramic or tooth-colored brackets, will not attract attention from unsavory fish or sea life.

Once braces are removed, my teeth will remain straight forever, right?

Wrong. Teeth move throughout one’s lifetime, therefore it is important to hold on to retainers and wear them as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Source: American Association of Orthodontics at www.braces.org

Foods That Are Safe For Braces

December 9th, 2013

Orthodontic braces are used to straighten the teeth, which not only creates a more pleasing appearance, but also helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. Braces are only effective when they are properly cared for, however. Certain foods, for example, are better suited for individuals who have braces, as opposed to hard and sticky foods that can cause damage. So, what types of foods should you or your kids eat to protect dental appliances?

The best foods to eat with braces are those that are not high in sugar and do not require excessive chewing. For breakfast, try eggs, yogurt, bacon, wheat toast, or oatmeal. Lunch may steer toward a banana rather than an apple, a salad without nuts, servings of lean proteins such as meats or fish, and a glass of water rather than sugar laden sodas or juice drinks. If you are looking for some after-school snacks for your kids, consider baked tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, or try string cheese with fruit.

A healthy dinner can include most types of vegetables, so long as they are cooked to an appropriate softness. Pair that with a lean protein, such as fish or chicken, and follow up with dessert. Just be sure to floss and brush afterward!

Post-Tightening Foods

As braces begin to adjust the alignment of the teeth, we will periodically tighten them to continue the alignment process. After tightening occurs, the teeth may be sore and sensitive to certain foods. During this time, it is best to eat soft foods. Examples include:

Pudding
Mashed potatoes
Soup
Ice cream
Cottage cheese
Peas
Pancakes
Pasta

Foods to Avoid

According to the American Dental Association, anyone who wears braces – whether fixed or removable – should avoid excessive snacking and should aim to eat a healthy and balanced diet. It is also important to avoid foods that could cause damage to the braces, such as:

Hard candies
Gum
Nuts
Popcorn
Certain raw vegetables (for example, carrots)

Considerations

Regardless of what types of foods you eat with braces, it is important to keep the crevices between the teeth and around the braces very clean. That means brushing and flossing after meals to prevent the build-up of plaque and decay. Not only can failing to do so damage the teeth, but it can also cause discoloration. It is also advisable to follow the professional hygiene appointment regiment proposed during your treatment planning, so that your oral health is maintained and we have a bright, healthy smile once we complete the orthodontic treatment and deband.

Have more questions about orthodontic treatment? Our team is always ready to answer all of your questions and help you get the most out of the treatment plan prescribed for you.