Playing the Harmonica is a fun and enjoyable way to pass time. Unfortunately, there are some risks that come with playing this instrument. Some of these risks are dental in nature, including tooth decay and gum recession. But there are ways to avoid these problems – a key trick is to play the harmonica correctly.

If you play the harmonica and are experiencing some tooth or gum problems, contact an emergency dentist near you via 247 Dental immediately! They can help you get connected to the dentist in no time.

 

What Is A Harmonica and How Does It Work?

A Harmonica is a musical instrument that can be found in many cultures and most are made of metal or plastic. It’s played by blowing air into the mouthpiece, which causes the reeds inside to vibrate. The diatonic harmonica has a series of buttons or holes on it which produce different notes when put together depending on the key they are tuned to; they sound best with an accompanying melody such as guitar playing.

 

How Can Playing Harmonica Hurt My Teeth?

Despite all the fun it gives, harmonica playing poses many dangers to dental health which depend largely on the player’s technique and habits while playing. Some of the most common dental problems caused by harmonica playing are tooth erosion, gum recession, and cavities. When harmonica players inhale deeply through their mouths as they play, moisture from the breath dries out tooth enamel making them more susceptible to both decay and sensitivity from hot food/drink.

Harmonica players are also prone to developing a condition called “Harmonic Dental Syndrome”. This condition can develop in those who play harmonica over a long period and is connected to the excessive back-and-forth movement of air in the players’ mouths when they play the harmonica. The dental harmonic syndrome can lead to severe tooth pain and even tooth sensitivity to cold or touch. Other symptoms are persistent burping, heartburn, stomach aches, difficulty swallowing, and reflux.

Truth is, It is not advisable to play the harmonica for more than one hour at a time. You should also avoid playing the instrument if you’ve just had your teeth cleaned.

 

Ways to Avoid Tooth And Gum Problems When Playing the Harmonica

There are various methods you can use to prevent any tooth and gum problems related to playing the Harmonica. Here are some ways:

  • Play the Harmonica with your mouth closed.
  • Try playing with lower notes that don’t require as much air pressure.
  • Use a small rubber stopper to keep the air from escaping; this will reduce the airflow. It is important to get a good seal around the harmonica so that no air escapes. 
  • Get an acrylic mouthpiece for your harmonica that would protect your teeth from damage when playing high notes.
  • Invest in a harmonica holder which will allow you to place the harmonica in your mouth and clamp it onto your teeth so that it is held tight.

 

Final Thoughts

Playing the harmonica is a great hobby for anyone looking to blow off steam. If you want to avoid dental problems, it’s important not to be too aggressive with your lips and teeth as you play. The long-term effects on your mouth depend largely on how often you practice playing the instrument and what type of harmonica you use (reed or comb). In general, if you take care of your teeth by brushing them regularly and visiting the dentist at least once per year, then there shouldn’t be any major health concerns associated with playing harmonicas.

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