Bamaharp
17 posts
Feb 17, 2014
9:07 PM
|
After 25 years of playing I'm noticing that my top front teeth are wearing flat from contact with the harp. It's hardly noticeable but it's definitely happening. I'm concerned because I'm getting a bit of sensitivity from my left front tooth. Has anyone else experienced this?
|
cyclodan
58 posts
Feb 17, 2014
9:54 PM
|
My last trip to the dentist included my complaint of what felt like a slight chip on one of my upper front teeth. It was quite miniscule actually and the dentist was able to smooth it out with a polishing tool. But...I have become conscious of the issue and I am trying avoid contact with the harp. Maybe try using the "tilt the back of the harp up method" (seems to be a couple of threads on the subject) http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/5457616.htm
|
didjcripey
706 posts
Feb 17, 2014
10:00 PM
|
After 25 years it might be a bit hard to change your mouth position, but I think that if you have a relaxed open jaw, that your teeth probably won't come in contact with the harp. Mine don't.
----------
Lucky Lester
|
Fishlips
16 posts
Feb 17, 2014
10:30 PM
|
The best suggestion would be to keep the harp off your teeth. I don't see a need for harp to tooth contact, but we have different habits as well as mouth structure. When I was a school band director many years ago, I used to tell brass players with braces to put a strip of Teflon plumbers tape over their teeth, and suck it into place so it would stick. It provided a smooth covering over their braces and lessened the wear on their lip which was between the mouthpiece and the braces. Maybe that would work in your situation, too, and provide a smooth protective layer over your teeth.
|
FMWoodeye
822 posts
Feb 17, 2014
11:44 PM
|
Last Edited by FMWoodeye on Feb 17, 2014 11:44 PM
|
NiteCrawler .
262 posts
Feb 18, 2014
2:50 AM
|
I,ve been playing for 40 yrs and I never have put my teeth against the harp.I think you should work on not touching the harp whatsoever with your front teeth,ouch!
|
Littoral
1035 posts
Feb 18, 2014
7:02 AM
|
Bama, guessing you're from Alabama? I'm not far -just wondering where you are.
Teeth? I can't really imagine what's generating enough contact to effect your teeth.
|
paulbunyn
95 posts
Feb 18, 2014
8:01 AM
|
Resisting posting a joke!!!
Last Edited by paulbunyn on Feb 18, 2014 8:03 AM
|
Mirco
105 posts
Feb 18, 2014
9:08 AM
|
Actually, my dentist told me this happens with musicians. He noticed that my teeth were showing signs of wear, too.
Try to adjust your playing style. Also, buy a night-time mouthguard, because you might be grinding your teeth while you sleep (or biting down on your imaginary harmonica in your dreams).
|
nacoran
7534 posts
Feb 18, 2014
10:54 AM
|
I don't think, except maybe when I try doing tricks like 'No Hands' that my teeth ever touch the harmonica.
I've got a trumpet I've been meaning to learn to play (I used to play baritone tuba) but I've got a chipped tooth. It never hurts except playing trumpet. :(
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
|
GEEZER1
204 posts
Feb 18, 2014
7:29 PM
|
Teeth do wear out if you live long enough , especially the two front teeth.
|
Bamaharp
18 posts
Feb 19, 2014
6:36 PM
|
Thanks for the suggestions. Maybe the wax would work. I also sing so I think that kind of eliminates any kind of mouthguard, etc. I want to make it clear that this is pretty light, incidental contact - I am not biting the harmonica. I'm going to try and be more conscious of this, but as others have said I think I'm past changing my playing style. I don't think this is caused from teeth grinding in my sleep, as I think I would have to have an underbite to wear the edges of my top front teeth flat. Littoral, I live in Montgomery, my name is John Bull.
|
