Chomping Habits

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian Categories: Dentistry, Oral Health

Teeth are very strong and powerful. Our teeth crush, tear, and cut up food, which makes our lives so much easier. But, how much power are our teeth actually packing? Well, when it comes down to it, our teeth are way stronger than we ever expected.

When you chew, you run the risk of biting you lip, tongue or even cheek, and when that happens it hurts. It hurts because the human bite when chewing exerts 70 pounds per square inch of force, that is pretty hard. The molars have the strongest biting impact. The rest of your teeth also make a dent if you bite your lip or cheek, but they are not packing as much power and force as your back teeth.

Our strong teeth help us eat and talk, but the strength that you exert can hurt your teeth too. People who suffer from teeth grinding exert 6 to 10 times more force than they do when chewing which can seriously harm teeth. Grinding your teeth can harm enamel, cause cavities, and hurt your jaw.

While men have stronger bites than women, anyone is at risk of teeth grinding. If you grind your teeth or suspect that you might, then go to a dentist. They can help diagnose the condition and help you find a treatment that is right for you.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/01/science/01qna.html

Is Your City Fluoridating Their water? Here’s One That Didn’t

Although scientists have already provided ample evidence that fluoridating drinking water can help reduce dental carries (cavities), many cities still choose to forego fluoridation. If your city is choosing to stop fluoridating their water or if the water isn’t currently being fluoridated, this story of what happened in Juneau, Alaska might be a wake-up call. […]

Travel Wise: Don’t Leave Home Without Following These Simple Dental Health Tips

Vacations can be relaxing, restful, and the best way to “get away” from it all. Travel, on the other hand, can be stressful, tiring, and can leave you longing just to be home. Taking care of your health, especially your oral health, before leaving on your next trip can help ensure that what you’ve left […]

The Abuse of Teeth in Nursing Homes

By the time you have reached your seventies, your teeth are tired. Even with proper care and regular trips to the dentist, your teeth and gums have gone through a lifetime of wear and tear. Teeth can withstand this wear and tear if they have received proper care and treatment throughout their life, but for […]

What is Enamel and How Does it Work?

If you’ve ever been to the dentist, then you’ve heard them talk about enamel. Dentists spend a lot of time talking to their patients about enamel, plaque, and tooth decay. We believe that to really understand how to keep your teeth healthy, you have to know what enamel is and how best to take care […]

Treating Cracked and Chipped Teeth

Cracked a Tooth? Cracking or chipping your tooth can be extremely painful. While a chipped or cracked tooth may cause issues with chewing, biting, and eating, it can also cause further harm to your other teeth. What Happens? A cracked tooth can cause harm to the root of the tooth and can sometimes lead to […]