Dentists spend their days taking care of their patients’ oral health. They know that everyday choices can have a significant impact on the condition of your smile. While everyone, even your dentist, occasionally enjoys a treat, they understand that some foods and habits are particularly hard on your teeth and can lead to serious injury.
With that in mind, let’s look at a few things your dentist is unlikely to put in their own mouth and why it’s a good model for you, too.
Ice Cubes
Chewing on ice may seem harmless, especially when you’re finishing a cold drink. However, ice is hard enough to easily chip or crack a tooth, particularly one that’s decaying. Repeatedly chewing ice can also place unnecessary stress on dental fillings, crowns, and other restorations.
Instead of crunching on ice, let it melt or enjoy your beverage without chewing the cubes.
Hard, Sticky Candy
Hard candies expose your teeth to sugar for an extended period, while sticky candies can cling to the grooves and spaces between teeth. Both can contribute to tooth decay when consumed frequently.
Caramel, taffy, and similar treats can also potentially pull on dental fillings or other restorations. If you enjoy candy, consider having it occasionally and rinsing your mouth with water afterward.
Sugary Drinks Throughout the Day
Soda, sweetened coffee, energy drinks, sports drinks, and other sugary beverages can provide bacteria in your mouth with sugars that contribute to acid production and tooth decay. Constantly sipping these drinks throughout the day can give your teeth repeated exposure to those acids.
Dentists generally recommend making water your primary beverage and limiting sugary drinks rather than sipping them for hours.
Using Teeth as Tools
Your teeth are designed for biting and chewing food, not opening packages, tearing tape, or holding objects. Using your teeth as tools can result in chips, cracks, or other injuries.
Keep scissors, bottle openers, and other appropriate tools nearby instead. Your teeth will thank you!
Their Fingernails
You could do worse when it comes to harmful tooth habits, but in truth, biting your fingernails can crack your tooth enamel over time and create hypersensitivity in your teeth. The biting action also puts your jaw in an unnatural position that can stress your joints.
To top it all off, it’s highly unsanitary!
You don’t have to completely eliminate every favorite food or drink to maintain good oral health. The key is understanding which habits can damage your teeth and enjoying potentially harmful items in moderation.
Regular brushing, flossing, a balanced diet, and routine dental visits can all help protect your smile.
About the Practice
At Windermere Dentistry, we believe in providing quality dental care when you need it the most. You can make a same-day emergency appointment with us and even take advantage of flexible financing so your focus can stay on getting better quickly. Call us promptly if you’re in an urgent situation at (407) 909-1099 or contact us online.