Elkins Dental - September 2023

Most of us fondly remember letting our imaginations run wild with LEGO blocks as a kid. But it turns out some people never outgrow that fun. A community of high-level adult LEGO builders can construct astounding creations. And in the competition show“LEGO Masters,”they compete spectacularly to determine who is the best of the best. “LEGO Masters”follows a format similar to most reality competition shows. Teams of two compete every week in a new challenge. The team that does the worst goes home, while the others advance closer to the title of LEGO Master. Jamie Berard and Amy Corbett, two “master builders”who design kits for LEGO, judge the contestants. Meanwhile, actor and comedian Will Arnett covers hosting duties. Contestants have access to 3 million LEGO in the studio. (Fun fact:“LEGO”is the plural of“LEGO.”) But while they have every size and shape they could ever want, the challenges are no cakewalk. The builders must create structures that move, incorporate water, or hold enormous weight. Amy and Jamie give tips while the builders work and judge the teams on creativity, function, and storytelling. Unsurprisingly, at least one team disappoints most weeks, but many builds are incredibly impressive.You’ll be shocked to learn how much is possible with six-studded bricks! Arnett is a great host who is equally impressed with the contestants’ abilities and willing to inject some levity into the proceedings. His comedic bits keep the show moving, and he’s passionate about the different builds. He also has a destructive streak. Several GET YOUR BRICK ON ‘LEGO Masters’ Will Please All Ages

challenges include builders creating masterpieces for Arnett to blow up, sledgehammer, or try to break with weights. Kids, in particular, will enjoy seeing the pieces go flying. “LEGO Masters”will entertain kids, teens, and adults with laughs, competition, and some education. However, there may be one downside to watching with your children: They might ask you to buy a lot more LEGO. But that, too, presents a new opportunity to bond and spend time together as a family. Even if you don’t win any prizes, making your own creations can be just as fun as watching the pros. As Will Arnett regularly instructs contestants,“Get your brick on!”

A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee The Impact of Stomach Complications on Your Teeth

Did you know that your digestive health can have a significant impact on the health of your teeth? Stomach

What does reflux-related tooth erosion do to your teeth? When tooth erosion occurs as a result of acid reflux, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Pain or sensitivity when consuming cold, hot, or sweet beverages • Tooth discoloration or yellowing • Changes in dental fillings • Abscess development • Tooth loss • Increase in cavities

complications, such as acid reflux, can lead to the gradual wearing away of the protective enamel on your teeth, a condition also known as teeth erosion. This erosion can not only affect the appearance of your teeth, but it potentially creates an environment that allows harmful bacteria to thrive, opening the door to cavities and other dental problems. How do stomach complications affect your teeth? Conditions such as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involve the backflow of stomach acids into the mouth. Usually, saliva helps to neutralize these acids. However, those who suffer from GERD have stomach acid making its way into the mouth in excess, throwing them off balance and posing a constant threat to their dental health. The damage caused by stomach acids is particularly severe during sleep, when swallowing frequency slows down and saliva production decreases. Additionally, certain medications to treat acid reflux can cause dry mouth, further reducing saliva's protective effects. As a result, the risk of tooth erosion and decay increases.

To protect your teeth and get relief, consult with your trusted dental professional here at Elkins Dental. Our additional tips are to chew sugar-free

gum to stimulate saliva production, stay hydrated, use desensitizing toothpaste, and avoid alcohol and smoking. Proper dental care is your best line of defense for reflux-related dental complications! Call us today for an evaluation!

–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists

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