As mentioned before, the role of the teeth is not only to chew, which is very important for the balance of the body, but also to serve other functions, such as maintaining the first stage of digestion, ensuring the aesthetics of the entire facial mass and maintaining the health of all joint movements.
The temporomandibular joint serves to join the mandible to the skull. The recorded movements are transmitted to the upper integrating pathways.
Any mismatch or misalignment of the teeth results in pain felt in the temporomandibular joint.
Tooth damage can cause a number of problems such as:
– alteration of the chewing process, resulting in adverse effects on the entire digestive system, because the stomach will receive incompletely digested food. Thus, over time, stomach pains and disorders appear.
– pain in the temporomandibular joint, because the movements recorded by the teeth will be transmitted abnormally.
Thus, overstraining of certain components, pain, inflammation and even limitations in the opening of the mouth may occur.
– reduced self-esteem and social stigma, because missing, decayed or abnormally shaped and positioned teeth reduce self-confidence.
Some foods may accelerate these negative effects, while others may have a protective effect. Among those that are harmful to oral health are:
Constant nibbling of food– Frequent snacking will provide a constant source of food for bacteria throughout the day.
They will break down food debris into acids, which will cause cavities and gingivitis.
Saliva has a protective effect and washes away food debris, thus protecting against the development of caries.
If food is always chewed, saliva cannot exert its defensive effect and the concentration of acids will be higher than that of protective substances. It is recommended that breakfast and lunch should be as nutritious as possible to prolong the feeling of satiety for longer.
If a craving for sweets arises, it is advisable to drink water or brush your teeth to remove carbohydrate residues from your teeth.
Chewing ice cubes from soft drinks– For some people, chewing on ice added to various alcoholic drinks, juices or cocktails is a temptation that can lead to cracked or even fractured teeth or dental work. Due to its hard consistency and low temperature, chewing ice produces the effects mentioned above.
Instead of adding ice cubes, one can opt for chilling drinks in the fridge and drinking them through a straw.
Using teeth as a tool in different activities– Using teeth to tear packaging, labels, open bottles or break hard foods (nuts, pits) can be a traumatic habit for them, in some cases even causing them to fracture. It is best for patients to use tools suitable for the purpose such as scissors, pliers, knives or openers specially adapted to their needs.
Teeth are structures without which absolute health cannot be achieved. Therefore, teeth must be cared for, protected and check-ups with the dentist must become routine.
