How Chewing Ice is Bad For Your Smile

One of the most interesting things about people are the habits and quirks that make up a part of their personality. Common habits such as playing with their hair and biting on their nails are only a few things that make a person unique, and many people have many different habits that make them different from everyone else. A common habit that many people share is chewing on ice. Although it may seem harmless, chewing ice can be more detrimental than you may think, especially for your smile.

One of the main reasons why chewing ice is bad for your smile is because it deteriorates the enamel on your smile. Because your jaw is very powerful and strong, when you bite on the hard ice, it lessens the strength of your enamel. When your enamel is not as strong as it needs to be, it makes you more susceptible to tooth sensitivity. Also, with the temperatures in your mouth repeatedly changing from hot to cold, it could damage the fillings you have. The temperature change has the potential to cause your fillings to swell quicker than your tooth, making the fillings counterproductive over time.

Not only is chewing gum bad for your teeth, but it is also bad for your gums. With ice having sharp edges, when you chew on it, it has the potential to puncture and damage the soft tissues in your mouth. Many people do not know that having healthy gums equates to having a healthy smile and body, and when that is compromised, the effects can be detrimental. By keeping these few simple tips in mind, you will be able to be more aware of your unconscious habits and how it plays a bigger role in your oral health than you may think.

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

Shine Bright with Teeth Whitening!

Having a dull smile is not a good thing for anyone to have to experience. A bright, beautiful smile is a symbol of health and vitality, and if your smile has muted significantly over the years, it has the potential to have a negative effect on how you view yourself and how you interact with the people around you. Thankfully, we live in an age where dental technology improves every single day. Dr. Gilbert Lopez is able to give you the dazzling smile of your dreams by offering teeth whitening to his patients at his Fort Smith, AR dental office.

There are many reasons why a smile can go from radiant to lackluster. Coffee, tea, wine, tobacco products, certain medications, and even genetics all play a role. Dr. Lopez offers at-home teeth whitening to his patients, making the entire process convenient and simple! Usually consisting of two appointments, Dr. Lopez will make impressions of your smile in order to have your custom whitening trays made. By making sure that your whitening trays fit your perfectly, it ensures the best results when they are filled with the whitening gel.

During the second appointment, Dr. Lopez will fit the whitening trays as well as supply you with the professional grade whitening gel. All you need to do is wear the trays twice a day for half an hour, or wear them overnight while you sleep. Within a couple of weeks, you will be able to see the full results of you whitening process! Although you may experience some tooth sensitivity while going through the whitening process, the effects should dissipate after your treatment is finished. If you feel as though Dr. Lopez can help give you the bright smile of your dreams, contact our office today!

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.