Unsuspecting Dental Trends That are Damaging the Population’s Teeth
Health trends come and go, and ones that relate to our dental care are no exception. Whilst staying ahead of the curve is exciting and makes us feel a part of the larger community, taking risks with our health is not something anyone should take a chance at. Once our adult teeth grow, we only have one chance to maintain their health and ensure they stay with us throughout our lifetime. Many of the dental health trends that are circulating the internet right now come with little to no evidence that they are effective, as well as a lack of knowledge as to their effects in the long term.
Additionally, a lot of the dental trends that are circulating right now are a direct result of people wishing to save money on professional dental care, and instead opt for at-home alternatives. Often not safe, they should be avoided if you hope to maintain the health and strength of your enamel. If you are the type of person to jump onto health trends in an attempt of staying healthy, take a look at the more dangerous dental care trends that you should know to avoid:
Charcoal toothpaste
One of the most apparent and unsuspecting dental trends which people just be weaned to avoid is using chocolate toothpaste and powders. Whilst some of the most trusted dental businesses have charcoal products as part of their collections, they are warned against being used by actual dentists. Charcoal is typically used more for its whitening abilities as opposed to its ability to clear bacteria from the mouth. It is known to be abrasive, which if we hope to protect the layer of enamel, should be avoided. Also, most charcoal toothpastes do not typically contain the ingredient fluoride which is essential for clearing out bad bacteria and reducing the risk of cavities forming.
If you do wish to use charcoal toothpaste, you should aim to use it once a week, and it should not be an alternative to your everyday toothpaste. It should instead be an add-on to your dental hygiene routine. Avoid scrubbing it thoroughly in your mouth and always check with your dentists as to whether they deem your charcoal toothpaste brand as safe. An alternative to using charcoal toothpaste would be to use whitening toothpaste, which is known to be just as effective yet less harsh than charcoal. Whitening toothpaste also contains a sufficient amount of ingredients to also thoroughly remove bad bacteria from your enamel, making it a win-win for your teeth!
Apple cider vinegar shots
Apple cider vinegar’s benefits have come to light in recent years, with influencers and celebrities endorsing regular use of the substance to improve your overall health. As much as it does pose benefits such as improving your gut health and cleansing the bad bacteria from your system, it can be extremely damaging to your enamel. Apple cider vinegar has potent acidity levels, which if in contact with your enamel for too long or regularly, can break it down and expose the dentin layer of your teeth. This layer is yellow in appearance, so you should expect to have yellow, unappealing teeth if you exceed your intake of apple cider vinegar.
If you wish to take part in this trend, do so with caution. Apple cider vinegar might be best drunk through a straw to avoid it touching your teeth. Also, try to clean your teeth thoroughly after drinking your apple cider vinegar shot to avoid any leftover residue in your mouth to increase the acidity levels in your teeth.
Lemon water
Lemon water is a historically beneficial trend which has offered a multitude of health benefits when drunk on an empty stomach. It has been said to improve your metabolism. Cleanse your gut, and even clear your skin. As much as lemon water offers an array of benefits, it is a trend that is proven to damage your teeth’ enamel. Much like apple cider vinegar, this drink has a high acidity level due to its citrusy components. Drinking this regularly is likely to break down your protective layer of enamel, increase sensitivity and also make your teeth yellow. Also, it is said to increase your reflux symptoms, ultimately bringing up the high acidity that sits in your stomach. This is the worst thing for your enamel, so you should avoid drinking lemon water when possible.
If you do not want to ditch your lemon water drinking, like with apple cider vinegar, drink your lemon water with a straw. avoid contact with your teeth as much as possible if your best bet. Also, ensure you brush your teeth thoroughly after drinking to remove any remaining acidity from the water.
Home whitening strips
We all would love a glistening white smile. Unfortunately, cheap manufacturers of whitening strips have listened, and now we have been left with damaging strips with dangerously high levels of chemicals. Most dentists will offer teeth whitening, whether you are looking for a dentist in Solihull or in another country, most licensed dentists will be able to offer the service. With people now looking to save a quick buck, cheap at-home whitening strips have been a popular trend which has been causing noticeable changes to people’s enamel. The level of chemicals that are injected into the cheaper solutions is not properly regulated, meaning the enamel is more likely to break down and have permanent changes. These invasive changes can range anywhere from sensitivity, to even tooth decay if heavily abused.
If you are looking for a teeth whitening solution, you should always go to a professional who can offer regulated teeth whitening solutions. They will likely offer a tailored treatment plan also so you will have the safest format of cosmetic dentistry. Professional teeth whitening will also have regulated chemicals that will not erode your natural enamel, which is the last thing we all want!
Bottom line
Overall, being educated about the current dental trends and their long-term effects should be maintained if you hope to protect your natural enamel. You only get one set of adult teeth. If you do anything careless that can cause long term damage, you do not get a second chance at getting them back. There is of course the option of having dental implants if your actual teeth experience decay, but simply taking the time and effort to perfect your own dental hygiene routine, and refrain from engaging in dangerous trends is the least you can do for the present and future health of your gums and enamel. Get it right the first time, and invest into the proper care for your mouth.
