Everyone knows the importance of brushing and flossing, but did you know that taking good care of your teeth requires more than that? To keep them safe, you must also be mindful of the things you put in your mouth. Each year, dentists see multiple patients with a dental emergency because they were biting down on the wrong object. Read on to learn six things you should avoid putting in your mouth to maintain a healthy smile.
Lemons
Lemons might be considered a fruit, but that doesn’t mean you should eat them like one. Because they’re highly acidic, sucking on a lemon slice can damage your smile by causing enamel erosion and throwing off the mouth’s pH balance. Stay away from this harmful habit and consider adding a slice of lemon to a beverage instead! It’ll enhance its flavor while minimizing acid exposure to your teeth.
Ice Cubes
Do you like chewing on the leftover ice cubes after finishing a cool drink? Although it may seem harmless, this habit can easily result in a dental emergency. Several people have fractured one or more teeth while eating ice, requiring dental crowns to restore proper function and stability. To protect your pearly whites, sip on chilled beverages or use a straw to reduce the temptation to crunch.
Fingernails
Nail-biting is a nervous habit that about 20 to 30 percent of Americans have. It can harm your smile over time, leading to worn-down teeth and cracks in the enamel. Biting your nails is also highly unsanitary because you’re introducing unwanted germs and bacteria from your hands to your mouth.
Pens or Pencils
While working on an assignment or project, some people may mindlessly chew on a pen or pencil. However, this habit can result in broken teeth and introduce your mouth to unwanted bacteria. Rather than chewing on a pen or pencil, try a stick of sugar-free gum instead. It’ll freshen your breath and keep your teeth safe!
Hard Candy
Hard candy is one of the most harmful treats for your smile because it lingers in your mouth for a long time. Sometimes it can take up to ten minutes to dissolve, meaning the sugar has plenty of time to cling to your teeth. And if you’re not patient, chewing on hard candy can lead to cracked teeth and cuts on the inside of your mouth.
Bottle Caps
When you can’t open a bottle or container, you may feel tempted to try and open it with your mouth. However, that’s an easy way to chip, crack, or break a tooth. You also increase your risk of muscle pain and TMJ problems. Instead of using your teeth, find a bottle opener or ask another person to open it for you.
Your dentist would never put these things in their mouth – so neither should you. By avoiding them, you can prevent a dental emergency and keep your smile safe!
About the Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, we provide exceptional, state-of-the-art, compassionate dental care that exceeds even the highest patient expectations. Our team understands that dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them to, which is why we offer same-day emergency services. We’ll give you the prompt relief you deserve. Visit our website or call our office to schedule an emergency visit.