Why Are People So Serious in Old Pictures?

old photoWe’ve all seen the old black and white photos from the 1800s-1900s where all the people are dressed to the nines in big, flowy dresses and dapper suits. Legs are crossed, hands are resting formally in jacket pockets, and there’s not a smile in sight. At my Lewisburg dental office, we know this is completely opposite of what we see now, and we wanted to know what was up with the smileless pictures of days gone by.

Say Cheese! And Wait.

And wait… and wait… and keep waiting. Wait for about eight hours. That’s right. Eight whole hours was how long it took to take the world’s first picture. We know it’s impossible for a human to sit still for that long, which is why that specific picture wasn’t of a person. But as technology improved, the time decreased…but still not enough. Thirteen years after the very first photo was taken, the time to capture a picture was about fifteen minutes. That’s still a really long time for a person to sit still, but it was doable. However, try holding a grin without moving or changing your face for that long and you’ll see why smiling faces weren’t ever seen.

Things Were Different.

We can capture a photo anytime, anyplace nowadays, but back when our ancestors wanted to take a picture, it was quite the ordeal. A portrait session needed to be arranged, it was expensive, and it didn’t happen often. In fact, many people only had their picture taken a handful of times throughout their entire lives. This made getting a photograph a formal occasion. That’s why everyone wore those fancy dresses and suits. That’s also another reason why people may not have been smiling. It was a serious time, not a fun one.

Bad Teeth.

Dentistry wasn’t always so important. Treatments we think of today as common didn’t exist. If you had a cavity back then, your tooth was pulled. No crowns, no fillings, just smiles that were either in bad shape or missing several teeth. So even if the time it took to take a photo was less, and photography sessions were more fun, chances are people still wouldn’t have smiled for the camera out of embarrassment.  

Still Hiding Your Smile in Pictures?

We don’t want you to hide behind your taught lips, shielding your smile from the world. If you’re embarrassed by your teeth, there are a multitude of ways to transform your grin into the smile you’ve always wanted. Cosmetic dentistry treatments, tooth whitening, white fillings, and restorative care, just to name a few, can alter your look, and your life.

If you’re ready to take your smile to the next level, give my dental office in Lewisburg a call to schedule an appointment today. We’ll discuss what’s holding you back from smiling wide and talk about your dental health goals. Together, we’ll determine the best solutions for you.

Serving patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport.

Can Your Asthma Be Causing Cavities?

AsthmaNearly 24 million Americans suffer from asthma and live their lives in fear of experiencing a severe asthma attack. Asthma is nothing to take lightly and is incredibly serious. In fact, approximately 3,000 die each year as a result of it. Even more become sick or hospitalized. While these statistics are incredibly scary, there’s a part of asthma that many may not be aware of, and everyone at my Lewisburg dental office wants you know about it.

The Asthma – Cavity Connection

Since those with asthma may have a harder time breathing properly, it’s much more common for them to breath out of their mouths instead of their noses. This is the first reason there may be a connection between having asthma and having cavities. Mouth breathing dries up the mouth and reduces saliva flow. Without saliva, your teeth are at increased risk for bacteria and decay. Adding to that, common asthma treatments may also cause dry mouth, which doubles the risk of inadequate saliva production and decay. Besides cavities, dry mouth can also lead to chronic bad breath.

How to Limit Your Chance of Dental Problems

If you suffer from asthma and take medication to control it, by no means do we want you to stop. However, there are a few things you can do to help limit the chance of dental problems.

  • Stay Hydrated. This goes for everyone, asthma sufferer or not. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can keep your mouth hydrated and saliva flowing. The more saliva, the more bacteria is neutralized and washed away before it has a chance to damage your smile.
  • Rinse. After using your inhaler or other asthma treatment, it’s crucial to rinse your mouth with water. Water can rid your mouth of the drying ingredients before they have a chance to settle in and cause problems.
  • Tell Your Dentist. Your dentist should know if you have asthma for a couple of reasons. First, to discuss medications and if there is an increased risk of dry mouth. Second, to be aware of any anxiety-inducing things that may send you into an attack. Talk to your dental team about any fears you have or ways they can help keep you calm during your visits.

Besides the tips above, you can further help protect your smile by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist at least every six months. At-home oral hygiene is key for a healthy mouth, and can even fight off side effects of medications, either for asthma or another health concern. If it’s time for your dental cleaning and checkup, give my dental office in Lewisburg a call to schedule your appointment today.

Welcoming patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport.