Our teeth can seem impervious to damage sometimes, especially when we’re young. They can seem like the perfect tools to hold or open things in a pinch. But did you know that habits like these can actually end up breaking your teeth? That can lead to having a chipped tooth, which can be painful and costly to treat, not to mention being aesthetically displeasing. In today’s blog post, your dentist discusses three things you should avoid doing if you want to keep your teeth in one piece.
Opening Things
Sometimes, it can be tempting to use your pearly whites to open bottles, envelopes, or stubborn packaging when we don’t have the proper opening tools on hand. Not only can this habit chip or break your teeth, but it has the potential to damage your gums as well. If the object slides, it can cut your gum tissue, which can be quite painful. You might need a filling, a dental crown, or a veneer to fix your broken tooth. Using your teeth as opening tools can also weaken them over time. Lastly, cracks in the teeth increase your risk of infection.
Chewing on Objects That Aren’t Food
Your teeth are designed to chew food and only chew food. Using your teeth to chew on items that aren’t food is dangerous for several reasons. Firstly, it can be considered a choking hazard. Chewing on non-food objects can also break or chip your teeth. Over time, your teeth can become weak or brittle. Lastly, chewing items like these can become addicting. To combat this, try popping in a piece of sugar-free gum when you feel like chewing on ice or a pencil.
Holding Items
Holding pens in your mouth or bags when your hands are full is severely detrimental because it can wear down your teeth. Again, your teeth are made for chewing only. They are not strong enough to withstand the pressure of holding things over time. They can become weak. This habit can also become a choking hazard.
If you want to avoid an extra emergency trip to your dentist, avoid engaging in any of these practices. Your teeth and gums will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Dhiren Ahir earned a dental degree in India in 2003 before obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University. In addition, he has achieved a Master of Dental Surgery degree in endodontics, or root canal therapy, which can be used to treat broken teeth or severe toothaches caused by participating in the habits described above. To learn more about how else you can avoid injury to your teeth, visit Dr. Ahir’s website.