6 Things Your Dentist Never Puts in Their Mouth

When you think about what it takes to keep your smile healthy, you probably can list the most important steps off the top of your head: practicing good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly, and eating a well-balanced diet. However, it’s also incredibly important to be mindful of the things you put in your mouth as well. Every year, dentists see multiple patients with a dental emergency because they were biting down on the wrong item. With that in mind, here are six things your dentist would never put in their mouth – and you shouldn’t either.

Lemons

Just because lemons are considered fruit doesn’t mean they should be eaten like one. Since they’re highly acidic, sucking on a lemon slice can harm your smile by causing enamel erosion and throwing off the mouth’s pH balance.

Ice

Some people like to chew on the leftover ice cubes after finishing a cool drink. It may seem harmless, but this habit can result in a dental emergency if you’re not careful. Many people have fractures one or more teeth while eating ice, requiring dental crowns to restore proper function and stability.

Bottle Caps

If you can’t open a bottle or container, you may be tempted to use your mouth as a last-ditch effort. However, that’s an easy way to chip, crack, or break a tooth. Additionally, you can increase your risk of muscle pain and TMJ problems.

Fingernails

Do you bite your nails? It’s a nervous habit that about 20 to 30 percent of Americans have. Not only can nail-biting harm your smile over time, but it can lead to worn-down teeth and cracks in the enamel. Plus, it’s highly unsanitary because you’re introducing unwanted germs and bacteria from your hands to your mouth.

Hard Candy

Hard candy can be detrimental to your oral health 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. If you chew on it, you can easily crack or chip a tooth and cut the inside of your mouth.

Cigarettes

Everyone knows that cigarettes are bad for your health. However, most people don’t realize how dangerous it is for your mouth as well. Tobacco stains your teeth and can cause bad breath. It also significantly increases your risk of oral cancer, which can be life-threatening without early detection.

Have you ever put any of these things in your mouth? If so, you should avoid doing so from now on. That way, you prevent a dental emergency and keep your smile as safe as can be!

About the Practice

At A New Smile, we’re passionate about helping patients achieve their happiest, healthiest smile. Our highly skilled and dedicated team will always go the extra mile to ensure you receive the best dental care possible. If you’d like to learn more ways to avoid a dental emergency, visit our website or call (818) 897-5771.