20/02/2015
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The beauty of being healthy
Summer requires dental care
This summer, keep an eye on your mouth for three reasons in particular: cold drinks, acidic foods and the trend of teeth whitening. “It is very common for the cold to cause sharp and short-lived pain in the teeth. This sensitivity can be related to a series of problems, such as bruxism, cavities, tooth fractures, wear on the surface of the teeth, defective dental prostheses and even orthodontic appliances”, lists dentist William Frossard, professor and coordinator of the course of
specialization from the State University of Rio de Janeiro.
Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, including lemon and kiwi, soft drinks and isotonic drinks, if consumed in excess can cause erosion of the enamel, which is the protective layer of the tooth. “This can be aggravated if you brush your teeth immediately after consuming one of these items. Therefore, it is best to wait at least an hour for the acidity to be naturally diluted by saliva,” adds Dr. William Frossard.
Too white, no!
Finally, the UERJ professor warns about the trend of teeth whitening using specific toothpastes. “In addition to not being effective, they contain abrasive substances,” he says. According to the dentist, not only those who want to whiten their teeth, but also those who have sensitive teeth should seek out a specialist. “In some cases, proper brushing combined with specific toothpastes can solve the problem, since some ingredients in the formula help close the dentinal canaliculi, which are the pathway to the tooth’s innervation. If they are open, there may be pain,” he warns.
