Tongue blocking and tooth wear
Good morning, David:
I went to the dentist the other day, and he noticed some erosion in the enamel of my lower teeth (the center four on the bottom). It was a mystery to both of us, as the wear is inconsistent with typical reasons (like teeth grinding or cavity).
I've been thinking about this. I noticed that, when I tongue block, my tongue is extended over my bottom teeth and that sometimes my tongue rests over the bottom teeth. It seems that it would the same teeth showing the wear. Is it possible that saliva and acid from the tongue may be wearing the enamel through this constant contact? Have you heard of anything like this?
Secondly, no harmonica teacher ever discusses tongue blocking position in relation to teeth. We are generally more concerned with the tongue in relation to the harmonica. Is it okay that my tongue is in contact with my bottom teeth? Is your tongue free floating above your teeth? I've been looking through my harp books and videos and couldn't find much.
Thank you.
Morning Marc. No, I have not heard of this. It is known that everyone has different acidity levels, both in our mouths and the oils in our skin (I've known some guitar players that have to change strings often because of this). Your teeth are bathed in saliva all the time, I'm not sure how playing the harmonica changes things. The bottom of the tongue does make contact with the lower teeth (just barely), but gently... I'm not sure how the soft tissue of the tongue can effect the hard teeth, but maybe it's more about the protective enamel? Experiment with opening your mouth a tad more and tilting the face of the harmonica downwards a tad more... this will present the harmonica to the tongue more, apposed to presenting your tongue to the harmonica, causing more of the tongue to make contact with your lower teeth. Keep us posted...