“BOBBY PIN NOTCHES”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26618, 14 November 1947, Page 2

“BOBBY PIN NOTCHES ”

A Habit that Mars the Teeth

Scores of women seeking treatment at dental surgeries in Dunedin have notches in their front upper teeth or fillings where these notches once were. Few would be able to explain how those notches came about, and if they were told they would doubt the explanation. t Dentists have come to know these disfiguring notches as " bobby pin notches.” and they believe they are caused by the method of opening hair clips adopted by women when their left hand is engaged in holding a curl or lock in position. They place the clip in a favourite spot in the upper teeth and spring open the steel. Gradually the surface of the selected tooth or teeth is worn away until one

dav a notch is suddenly noticed. Frequently such a notch has to be filled and frequently the filling itself is either worn away or removed by this habit of opening hair clips. It is estimated that 80 per cent of women who use hair clips open them with their teeth, and of these 60 per cent, damage their front upper teeth. Most of them are unconscious of the habit, but it can easily be tested. So serious is the habit in America that dentists have written extensive papers, on the subject, and devices for opening' clips have been invented and marketed. Young girls and women who have natural teeth and wish to retain their appearance should see if they have the habit, and if so. find an alternative method of springing open the clip. Those who wear a ring on the left hand could possibly use it for opening the clip. It is a method that after a little practice proves satisfactory. Dentists are becoming concerned over the habit, for they either have to carry out extensive cavity preparation for the retention of ■ restorations or to grind and polish the affected teeth, and this often results in a complete change in the anatomic character and facial appearance of the patient That may sound technical and rather impressive, but the fact remains that the habit can eventually mar the upper teeth and cause frequent visits to the dentist.