You may already know that brushing and flossing twice daily can help prevent common oral issues, such as cavities or gum disease. However, even if you are committed to a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never have a dental emergency.
For example, you might bite into something too hard and accidentally chip or crack your teeth. You might also hurt them if you use them as tools to open mail, boxes, or packages. Continue reading to learn about 3 additional objects you should avoid putting in your mouth to protect your dental health!
Item #1: Bottle Caps
If you’re eager to pop open a bottle of soda or other beverage that has a metal cap, you might feel tempted to pry it off with your teeth if you don’t have a bottle opener handy. However, this can be incredibly damaging to your teeth and generally isn’t recommended.
For example, you might crack a tooth right down the middle, which often requires a complex or costly solution, like providing a dental crown or extracting and replacing it if it’s severely broken. You could also cut the tender tissues inside your mouth, which can potentially become infected. Taking a few moments to locate a bottle opener can help safeguard your smile.
Item #2: Fingernails
Would you be surprised to learn that sources have estimated that about 45% of adolescents and approximately 15% to 30% of adults chew their fingernails? Not only that, but this stress-related habit can often be subconscious, so many people don’t even realize they’re doing it.
Unfortunately, nibbling your nails can wear down your enamel prematurely or unevenly, increasing the likelihood of developing chips, cracks, or cavities. It can also overwork your jaw or force it into an unnatural position, resulting in jaw, ear, and toothaches and potentially contributing to a bite misalignment. You might try trimming your nails frequently so it’s harder to grip them with your teeth, or putting bitter-tasting nail polish or oil on your fingers to discourage yourself from putting them in your mouth.
Item #3: Someone Else’s Toothbrush
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, as the bristles eventually wear down and can no longer clean as effectively. Furthermore, they gather plenty of bacteria, including germs that cause cavities and gum disease, which can be reintroduced back into your mouth the next time you scrub your enamel.
It’s for this very reason that dentists also typically suggest that you avoid ever using someone else’s toothbrush, even if they’re family or a significant other. You might contract harmful germs that can cause oral disease or other illnesses, such as a cold or the flu.
If you have additional questions about ways you can help protect and preserve your dental condition, you can learn more by contacting your dentist!
About the Practice
At Pecan Tree Dental, you and your family benefit from two compassionate dentists with decades of combined experience treating patients of all ages. Today, Dr. Smith and Dr. Doan collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including same-day and weekend emergency dental visits, all under one roof to meet your unique needs. Then, they use state-of-the-art equipment to enhance your comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 262-5111.