How do we destroy our teeth?
Many people subconsciously, and sometimes with full premeditation, destroy their teeth. And this is not just about neglect resulting from poor oral hygiene, which sooner or later will lead to cavities, but about unusual tasks that we perform using our teeth.
Smoking cigarettes
Nothing ruins the appearance of teeth quite like smoking cigarettes. Tobacco smoke lowers the pH in the mouth – teeth are then vulnerable to enamel erosion. Smoking dries out the mucous membrane and limits the amount of saliva produced, which naturally protects and cleanses the teeth from toxic compounds. Saliva plays a regenerative role, participating in the renewal and remineralization of the enamel. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of periodontitis and periodontal diseases. Tartar builds up faster on smokers' teeth, the teeth turn yellow, and over time even turn brown, with numerous dark discolorations appearing.
Using teeth instead of tools
Some of us sometimes forget that human teeth serve three most important roles; they crush food, enable proper pronunciation, and perform an aesthetic function. All additional activities such as: cracking nuts, opening chips, biting through fishing line, tearing thread, biting nails, biting a pencil or crayons, or opening bottle caps are activities that we can easily perform with the most ordinary, simple tools. Of course, teeth are always closest, and the opener likes to get lost. Not to mention the aesthetic aspects of the aforementioned activities, let us remember, however, that our own permanent teeth are given to us only once in a lifetime and are meant to serve us for at least several decades. For this reason alone, it is worth respecting them.
Bruxism
Sometimes we destroy our teeth subconsciously, during sleep. Uncontrolled teeth grinding is called bruxism. Untreated long-term bruxism can cause very severe wear of the tops of the teeth. Frequent teeth grinding can cause cracking, loosening, and in extreme cases, even lead to their loss.
Improper brushing and cleaning of teeth
The most common mistakes made during daily oral hygiene are:
Brushing teeth immediately after a meal – we should wait about 30 minutes, or alternatively rinse the mouth with water right after eating.
Inappropriate choice of toothbrush and toothpaste – too hard toothbrushes can damage enamel, as can overly abrasive toothpastes (whitening or designed for smokers).
Brushing teeth for too long or too short – ideally, we should dedicate 2-3 minutes to this activity.
Improper brushing – pressing the toothbrush too hard against the teeth can cause gum bleeding.
Not using dental floss and mouthwashes.
Thumb sucking
A reflex occurring in young children (rarely, but still on a neurotic basis, also in adults). Excessive thumb sucking or long-term use of a pacifier can negatively affect growing teeth and jawbones, and this can significantly contribute to the improper development of the bite in the future.
Fashion
Well, alright, but are there really people among us who destroy their teeth in a deliberate, planned, and consistent manner? Well, yes, an infamous example was the late Dennis Avner, better known to the world as "Cat Man", "Stalking Cat" or "Tiger", who filed down his natural teeth to make them resemble those of a cat. Another case is, for example, the rapper Popek, who had his natural teeth removed to replace them with gold implants. Well, De gustibus non est disputandum.
