Maligned practices that are good for you?

In this thread, we discuss the potential merits of activities that are stigmatized by society.

I ask this because of a specific question I had in mind last week.

Generally, it seems that so-called "mouth breathers" are regarded as simpletons. This is simply a conception of society and doesn't necessarily hold any bearing on one's mental state. I wondered about whether these people have better teeth, given my rudimentary knowledge of cellular respiration.

Basically, the bacteria, in an oxygen-deficient environment, produce either acid or alcohol, depending on the type of organism. If it is in fact acid, then bacteria in the mouth would produce it on the teeth of "nose-breathers" moreso than mouth breathers, since breathing through the mouth would create a more oxygen-rich area for aerobic respiration, which is preferable to organisms since it's much more efficient.

In essence, mouth breathers would create less acid on the teeth than nose breathers. Is this true, or have I missed something bigtime?

Also...I guess this assumes a carelessness to oral hygiene in general, along with the bacteria in question actually producing acidic substances during anaerobic respiration. Thus, I consult the neutral masses!


Also, what activities that are socially stigmatized can have surprising benefits?

Saliva has mild anti-bacterial and anesthetic properties. It's also a coagulant. Licking or sucking on cuts protects them from infection and helps them stop bleeding. Least I think that's how it works.

I wondered if chewing on fingernails had the benefit of scraping plaque off of teeth.

biting your fingernails and/or picking your nose & eating it - i always wondered if these practices might be beneficial to the immune system by "keeping it in shape" so to speak.