Dentists are the unsung heroes of oral health, diligently working to ensure that our teeth remain as healthy, bright, and beautiful as possible. But did you know that their expertise extends far beyond just cleaning and fixing teeth? They also know quite a bit about how to maintain a safe and hygienic environment inside the mouth—and this includes knowing what objects to never put near their pearly whites! Continue reading below to learn a little more about a few of the things your dentist thinks you should never consume or stick inside your mouth, to avoid an unexpected and unpleasant dental injury!
What Does My Dentist Avoid Eating?
Everyone loves food—even your dentist! However, there are certain items out there that can cause many problems for your teeth and gums, including:
- Hard candies – Items like lollipops, jawbreakers, Jolly Ranchers, and more can all pose a serious threat to one’s teeth. When you eat these, your mouth is exposed to their high amounts of sugar for a longer period of time! They can also chip or crack your teeth.
- Lemons and other citrus – Lemons are highly acidic and can cause enamel erosion and a pH imbalance inside of your mouth, as can other citrus items like limes and grapefruit.
- Potato chips – Chips might be a tasty snack, but they’re high in both starches and sugars which can lead to enamel erosion. Opt for something healthier instead, like fresh fruit, yogurt, or cheese.
- Ice cubes – Biting into ice cubes is an easy way to fracture your teeth. Be sure to only use them to chill your drinks!
What Non-Food Items Are Problematic?
Sometimes we might find ourselves putting objects into our mouth that aren’t food; as convenient as this might seem at times, it’s ill-advised. Here are some items your dentist would absolutely never put in their mouth:
- Fingernails – Biting your fingernails is pretty unsanitary, as it can easily transmit bacteria into your mouth. It can also flatten the edges of your front teeth, creating cracks in your enamel.
- Pens, pencils, and office supplies – These items are also often riddled with germs that can easily spread throughout your body once they enter your mouth. Plus, many of them are hard and can damage your teeth.
- Cigarettes – Smoking and using tobacco is notoriously bad for your health in general, and regularly smoking cigarettes can lead to some serious health problems including oral cancer. It’s simply not worth it!
- Other people’s toothbrushes –Sharing toothbrushes can spread bacteria and make you very sick, not to mention it can expedite all sorts of problems—even cavities are contagious!
It’s also worth noting that you should never try to use your teeth as tools to open packaging or unscrew bottle caps, nor should you hold items like car keys or jewelry inside your mouth. Your dentist is perhaps your biggest ally when it comes to keeping your smile healthy and beautiful, so it’s in your best interest to heed their advice when it comes to these problematic items.
About the Practice
The talented team at Rensch and Laster Family & Cosmetic Dentistry has proudly served the dental needs of the Raleigh, NC area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Brandon D. Rensch and Dr. Christine DiBlasi Laster. They’re pleased to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services that are certain to help you achieve outstanding oral health coupled with a radiant set of pearly whites! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance. Telephone: (919) 561-6393.
