THERE’S A GOOD REASON dental health professionals warn their patients not to chew ice. This habit can cause serious and permanent damage to teeth and gums, so what makes it so addicting in spite of the dangers? A Mental Condition Compulsive ice eating is called pagophagia. Sometimes it’s a symptom of pica, a psychological disorder in which a person feels compelled to eat large quantities of non-food items, such as dirt, clay, hair, or ice. A nutrition gap could be responsible. Compensating for Iron Deficiency? Recent studies suggest a link between anemia and compulsive ice eating. The theory ..read more

MINIMIZING THE RISK of childhood tooth injuries starts with knowing the most common causes of those injuries. Babies and toddlers are most likely to injure themselves by slipping in the bathtub. Non-slip mats are a great precaution! Projectiles like balls and frisbees can easily cause injuries, so make sure to discuss safety and not aiming at anyone’s head. Hard playground equipment can also be a hazard so extra care should be taken. Make a Plan in Case of Accidents Sometimes accidents happen even when we’re being careful, and having an emergency plan is a great way to prepare. Step one of an ..read more

THE AMERICAN CANCER Society estimates that there will be over 54,000 new oral cancer cases just in 2024. In recent decades, the survival rate of these cancers has risen considerably, and early detection is a huge part of that. That’s why we’re using Oral Cancer Awareness month to educate our patients about oral cancer’s symptoms and risk factors. Built-In Risk Factors There are unavoidable risk factors: men are twice as prone to oral cancer as women and it affects people over the age of 45 much more. Preventative care and early detection are especially important for people in these categories ..read more

WE DENTAL HEALTH professionals tend to be big fans of the Tooth Fairy. We can remember leaving a baby tooth under the pillow and looking forward to finding a nice reward the next morning. Other parts of the world have their own fascinating traditions with baby teeth too. How About a Tooth Mouse? Many European and Latin-American countries have a Tooth Mouse instead of a Tooth Fairy. She’s called La Petite Souris (“the little mouse”) in France, and “Raton Perez” in Spanish-speaking countries, and the Tooth Mouse swaps teeth under pillows for little gifts or money. Toss Teeth for Luck In China a ..read more

WOMEN FACED AN uphill battle establishing themselves in many career fields, dentistry included. That’s why, for Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating three pioneers for women in dentistry. Lucy Hobbs Taylor Lucy Hobbs Taylor, born 1833, was the world’s first female dental school graduate. Many dental schools refused to admit her, but the Ohio College of Dental Surgery finally let her in. She married a Civil War veteran who was also a dentist and they opened a practice together in Lawrence, Kansas. Emeline Roberts Jones Emeline Roberts Jones, born 1836, came from the apprenticeship traditio ..read more

At London Smile Care, nestled in the heart of Wimpole Street, our esteemed dental clinic offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse oral health needs of our patients. Situated in the vibrant city of London, our clinic is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. From routine check-ups to advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, here’s what your Wimpole Street dental clinic has to offer.   Comprehensive Dental Examinations   At London Smile Care, we believe that prevention is key to maintaining optimal ..read more

ON THE LONG list of things parents need to teach their kids in childhood is proper flossing, but plenty of adults don’t know the best techniques themselves! We’re here to help. Daily flossing should be a priority for anyone with two teeth that touch each other because brushing alone cannot remove the plaque and food debris in those spaces. The longer it remains and builds up, the more it contributes to gum disease, cavities, and worse. Helping Your Child Floss Parents should floss their child’s teeth for them until they have the dexterity to do it themselves. Make it part of the daily routine ..read more

EATING DISORDERS can cause many kinds of damage to the body, including the teeth. Oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits are crucial, but in order to maintain good oral health, we also need a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals every day. Anorexia Versus Oral Health An eating disorder like anorexia nervosa can lead to osteoporosis, which increases the risk of tooth loss. It also causes dry mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease. It also makes it harder to avoid bad breath, because saliva washes away food particles. Bulimia and Acid Erosion Bulimia can be even more harmful ..read more

Are you experiencing jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty chewing? These could be signs of that you might benefit from TMJ treatment. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and potential solutions is crucial for finding relief and restoring comfort to your daily life.   Unlocking Relief: A Guide to Understanding and Managing TMJ Problems   Understanding the complex anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is essential for grasping the intricacies of TMJ ..read more

BEING TONGUE-TIED isn’t just an expression; for many people, it’s an actual medical condition, and a similar one is being lip-tied. We all have thin, stretchy pieces of tissue that connect our tongues to the floor of our mouths and our lips to our gums. Sometimes those pieces of tissue are unusually thick or tight, which restricts the movement of the lip or tongue. Effects of Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Someone with a tongue tie might not be able to touch the roof of their mouth with their tongue, making it hard to chew, swallow, or pronounce words effectively. Someone with a lip tie might have a ..read more