Since social media came into our lives, health advice is one of the topics that everyone follows with interest on the platforms. Some of this advice is true, while others do more harm than you think. Advice that is not based on medical facts can make your health worse.
TRUE KNOWN FAULTS IN DENTAL HEALTH
Many health advice trending on social media is not actually based on what qualified experts are actually saying, and in some cases even contradicts what most doctors recommend. When it comes to dental health, there are dozens of damaging advice floating around the various online platforms that people love to gather. Speaking to The Sun, dental expert Dr. Khaled Kasem has listed the must-haves that can lead to severe toothache, are circulating on social media, and should never be done.
LEMON JUICE
Although lemons, which are full of vitamin C, are beneficial for health, they are not very beneficial for teeth. Dr. Khaled Kasem warns that the acidity in lemon juice can wear away the enamel, the thin outer coating of the tooth, making your teeth “prone to gum disease and decay over time.” Another suggestion is for those with mouth sores; Dr. Kasem said that those who have mouth sores should never gargle with lemon because the acidity in the lemon can cause irritation and inflammation.
APPLE VINEGAR
Dr. Kasem warns that, like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can lead to erosion of tooth enamel. Not only that, it can also upset your stomach and throat, she adds.
“Without this protective layer, your teeth are susceptible to the dangers of decay and permanent staining. Before trying apple cider vinegar, consider whether it’s worth compromising the color and overall health of your teeth.”
COAL TOOTHPASTE
Dr. Kasem also warns against overdoing it with charcoal toothpaste, which has become increasingly popular lately, thanks to its promotion by social media influencers as a way to whiten your teeth.
While the dental hygienist agrees that charcoal toothpaste can give your teeth a temporary shine by removing the surface of a light stain, charcoal particles can settle in the crevices of your enamel and cause your teeth to crack.
JUICE
Dr. Kasem states that it is very wrong to clean teeth with fruit. Apart from this, he also warns that fruit juice should not be consumed too often. Fruit juices can accelerate tooth decay by sticking to the enamel between the teeth.
“Overexposure to juice can lead to complications like cavities, chipping molars and even tooth decay, so if you want to try juicing, make sure you do it as part of a diet that is balanced between solids and liquids.”