FROM lemons to hard candies, there are many things that dentists don’t put in the mouth.
And you should do the same.
Lemons may be ripe with Vitamin C but they are also acidic. And that wreaks havoc on the tooth, leading to enamel erosion.
And that’s bad because while the tooth enamel is the hardest mineral substance in your body, even stronger than bone, it is also susceptible to erosion. And that’s sad because tooth enamel is the hard, outer surface of the teeth that protects against tooth decay.
Hard candies dissolve longer and thus stay in the mouth up to 10 minutes. To hasten the melting process – and deliver the sweetness faster – many people tend to chew on the hard candy.
The longer the candy stays in the mouth, the longer it gives the sugar sweetness that bacteria love and thrive on, potentially causing cavities.
Chewing the candy may also crack the teeth, leading to potentially permanent damage.
The same with ice. Don’t put them in the mouth and chew on it.
Cracked and broken teeth may also be caused when hard objects – such as keys, pens, paper clips, the metal support of erasers, jewelry – are place inside the mouth.
These objects are also full of bacteria.
The popular lip jewelry may injure the adjacent teeth, the cheeks, lips and taste buds, not to mention causing tooth fractures and gum recession that can result in serious tooth issues.
It’s not just hard objects that cause dental issues. Soft foods too do their share.
Like potato chips and other snacks that are full of starch that converts into sugar and feed the bacteria that produce acid. In these pandemic times when lockdowns see us in front of cable television most of the time, the more we snack.
And if you are stressed out during the lockdowns, don’t bite your nails – it can flatten the edges of the front teeth and may even cause cracks. The grinding and clenching can also cause pain in the teeth, ears and jaw.
Finally, we all know that cigarettes are bad for your health. So don’t put cigarettes into your mouth either. Not only do cigarettes potentially oral cancer-causing, they can stain the teeth and may even cause bad breath.
So there.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the UE College of Dentistry, former Dean of the College of Dentistry, National University, past president and honorary fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy, and honorary fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists. Honorary Life Member of Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
