Smile Is Worth
More Than Anything
The British Dental Health Foundation has backed
research that says smiling can give more pleasure than sex or chocolate
– but added that people need to keep their smile looking its best for
maximum effect.
The BDHF was commenting after scientists revealed that a smile gives
the same level of stimulation as eating 2,000 chocolate bars or
receiving £16,000 in cash.
The clinical tests, carried out on volunteers in Scotland, measured
brain and heart activity as participants were shown pictures of people
smiling and given money and chocolate.
Seeing a smile creates what is termed as a `halo' effect, helping us
to remember other happy events more vividly, feel more optimistic, more
positive and more motivated. We have long been drawing attention to
the fact that smiling increases happiness both in yourself and those
around you, so it is good to receive the backing of this scientific
research.
A healthy smile can improve your confidence, help you make friends
and help you to succeed in your career, so you need to keep it looking
its best. Hopefully this research will get more people thinking
about their oral health.'
5/07
June is also
Dairy Month.
UpToTop
June is National Safety Month
Sponsored by the National Safety Council, this is a
great time to encourage active, sports enthusiast patients to consider
the importance of:
6/04
UpToTop
10 Ways To Protect Your Teeth
1. Brush Right
Position the head of your toothbrush
toward your gums as a 45 degree angle and move it back and forth
gently in short strokes. Do this for 3 minutes or the length
of a song on the radio.
2. Exercise Cautiously
If you play sports or are
involved in rigorous activities get a mouth
guard especially if you have braces, veneers
or bridges.
3. Don't Ignore Stomach Problems
Gastrointestinal reflux
syndrome can cause stomach acid to travel back into the mouth and erode
tooth enamel as well as introduce infection causing bacteria
into the gum that can lead to periodontal disease
or even tooth loss.
4. See Your Dentist Twice a Year
Often oral problems cause no pain
and can go undetected and get worse. To save you discomfort and
money had a dental exam and tooth
polishing every six months.
5. Know the Side Effects of Medication
Over 400 drugs can
indirectly affect your dental health. Tell your dentist about your
prescriptions, you may need a high
fluoride rinse or gel to protect your teeth.
6. Stop Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth
Bruxism
or grinding your teeth puts pressure of up to 250 pounds per square
inch on your teeth. This can cause gums to recede and
accelerate periodontal disease. If you wake up with a sore neck or
jaw or have frequent headaches talk to your dentist about a splint
or NTI.
7. Don't Smoke
Smokers
are four times more likely than nonsmokers to have gum
disease. Smoking can also cause oral
cancer.
8. Use Your Teeth ONLY for Chewing Food
Tearing, cracking or
biting objects or chewing on hard things can crack or break your teeth
and cause loosen fillings and crowns.
9. Floss, Floss, Floss
If you don't floss
you miss cleaning 30% of each tooth's surface leaving sticky, bacteria
laden plaque between your teeth that can cause gum disease and tooth
loss. Floss regularly, at least once a day.
10. Watch Out for Teeth Damaging Foods
Popcorn kernels, frozen candy
bars and ice cubes can crack your teeth. Pop
contains acid and sugar
that will erode tooth enamel and coffee and tea will stain
your teeth.
Brush Free Ways To Clean Your Teeth:
