I’m a Dentist – You’re Ruining Your Teeth with These 4 Common Mistakes

Dentist talks about four mistakes people make that ruin their smiles – and they have nothing to do with nightmare TikTok calls.

Dr. Jerry Curatola, founder of Manhattan-based Rejuvenation Dentistry, advises avoiding some common dental practices such as charcoal toothpaste and root canal treatments.

mouthwash

Skip Listerine, says enamel expert.

“Mouthwash has absolutely no value for oral care,” he warned the Daily Mail in an interview published on Saturday. “It’s another man-made creation of the consumer goods industry.”

Despite recommendations that some mouthwashes can keep bacteria, plaque, cavities and gingivitis at bay, Curatola insists they can cause harm.

He claims that some mouthwashes contain preservatives like parabens that can destroy the oral microbiome.

“It’s always amazed me that dentists give people small bottles of mouthwash during brushing, which contains alcohol, artificial colors and colors like this fluorescent blue, made from coal tar, which is a known carcinogen,” Curatola said. .

According to Healthline, mouthwashes can be harmful if overused.

Experts warn against frequent use of mouthwash due to potential staining of teeth with dyes, removal of a healthy microbiome, and potential cancer risk for which there is limited evidence.

root canals

More than 41,000 root canals are treated in America every day, but Curatola refuses to be part of the trend.

“This is the only procedure we do when we store dead tissue inside a person,” he explained.

Treatment includes removing bacteria and decay from the tooth, disinfecting the area, filling the roots, and sealing them to prevent further decay.

Not only are they painful and, like any procedure, come with risks, they are also associated with increased levels of endotoxins. However, research on this phenomenon is limited.

“These are bacteria and bacterial by-products that can deregulate your immune system. So they are really harmful to the patient in the long run,” Curatola said.

Healthline has dispelled the alleged link between cancer and root canals, arguing that the “myth” creates unnecessary fear in those who would benefit from the procedure.

Risks associated with root canals include persistent infections, improper fillings, and inadequate fillings, but an untreated canal may be the greatest risk.

Charcoal Toothpaste

Activated charcoal has skyrocketed in popularity with promises to whiten teeth and provide fresh breath.

But Curatola warns that it can be abrasive and even erode tooth enamel.

“It’s the equivalent of using Ajax on your teeth,” he explained. “If you brush it every day, you will wear down the enamel and your teeth will become more sensitive.”

Although sold by Colgate and other major dental brands, limited research has shown that charcoal toothpaste can be too abrasive for everyday use and often lack fluoride, a mineral that promotes a healthy smile.

metal fillings

Although metal fillings are no longer as common, they were once commonplace in dentistry.

Fillings, also called dental amalgam, are often a mixture of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy.

Mercury content in fillings can lead to the release of mercury vapor into the mouth, which can enter the lungs.

Mercury exposure has been associated with numerous adverse health effects, prompting a 2020 warning against the use of metal fillings in high-risk individuals.

Curatola recommends other options such as ceramic, porcelain or resin fillings.

This article was originally published New York Post and reproduced with permission

Originally published as I’m a Dentist – You’re Ruining Your Teeth with These 4 Common Mistakes