Ask Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai: What’s so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai, or visit this article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

Your friends at Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai

Cool kids have fun with braces, from Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Drs. Joe, Tom, and Doug, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Congratulations Oklahomans, you live in a great place for families!

Our team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, loves how ideal Tulsa, OK and surrounding areas are for families with young children looking for a safe and environmentally friendly community. Family Circle agrees and voted Edmond, Oklahoma the best town for families in 2010. With a population of 82,530, the city is known for its spacious parks, walking and jogging trails, and lake fishing.

With an average 18 to 1 student to teacher ratio and an average great schools rating of 9, Edmond is perfect for families with school aged children. The three local high schools are recognized for raising nearly a million dollars for charity so far this year. It’s communities like these that make Oklahoma a wonderful place for families.

That’s why, our team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics thought we’d ask you: What is your favorite thing about your city? Do you love all of Tulsa’s community programs? Or, does your family cherish the rich history of Tahlequah? Let us know by writing here or by posting on our interactive Facebook page. You can also give us a call at the office.

Five summer traveling tips, from Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Summer is a great time for vacations! Many of us here in Tulsa, OK take a vacation sometime during the summer, and although we usually write a "to pack" list, it is not uncommon to forget the most important of things. Recently, our staff at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics came across an interesting article from ParentsAsk.com that outlined five important tips for summer travel with children. We strongly encourage you to give this article a read if you’re heading out with the family this summer. Here are even more tips you can use to ensure your vacation packing—and the traveling itself—goes as smooth as possible!

Happy traveling! We hope that these tips are useful. Also, if you have any vacation pictures to share, remember you can always post those on our Facebook page! We always enjoy staying in touch with our patients between visits.

-Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics