A dentist makes light of a product used by millions of Americans: it has no benefits whatsoever
An oral hygiene specialist says a product used by many people every day can actually be harmful.
The Finnish dental specialist Pertti Patinen has discussed the harmful effects of some common oral practices on dental and overall health.
Why can mouthwash be harmful?
For instance, Patinen points out that mouthwashes can be detrimental as they frequently contain alcohol, which dries out mucous membranes and is a carcinogenic substance. While these types of mouthwashes can be used for a short period, it should always be after a dental procedure and under professional supervision.
Both mouthwashes and many other actions related to the mouth are more harmful than people generally think.
The problem with piercings
According to Patinen, who works for the healthcare provider PlusTerveys, there is generally no harm in using dental jewelry that is permanently fixed to the teeth. “Fixed jewelry is not much different from, for example, orthodontic appliances, so there is practically no damage to the teeth,” the expert says.
The chosen piece adheres to the tooth area with acrylic, dissolving a small part of the enamel but without major consequences. It is important to note that there are areas of the enamel where the jewelry has greater adhesion, so it is crucial that the chosen area remains dry during the bonding process.
But Patinen notes that piercings are “somewhat more problematic,” as during the act of biting a tongue piercing can accidentally become trapped between the teeth, which can cause crown fractures or chipping in some areas. When undergoing an X-ray, piercings must be removed to avoid hindering interpretation or causing shadows.
Patinen adds that lip piercings can also cause damage. “Especially in the lower jaw, in the area of the front teeth, the mucosa is very thin, so the inner part of the lip jewelry causes the gum mucosa to break and damages the gums,” he says. “The gingival mucosa retracts, exposing the neck of the tooth and the root surface.”
Additionally, piercings can pick up a series of harmful particles, so it is advisable to carry out cleaning to avoid adverse effects such as viral hepatitis.
Steer clear of snuff
Lastly, Patinen talks about the use of snuff, a smokeless tobacco product that can be consumed by being placed behind the lips or between the cheek and gum. “It contains several carcinogenic substances, such as nitrosamines, formaldehyde, benzopyrene, arsenic and polonium,” Patinen warns.
“The ingestion of these toxins exposes you to the development of various tumors and diseases, such as intestinal and pancreatic cancer.” Patinen adds that snuff can cause bad breath and local damage to the lining of the mouth.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment