Although brushing and flossing twice daily can help prevent common oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease, and strengthen your smile, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never have a dental emergency.
For example, you might accidentally chip your teeth or cut your connective tissues if you put certain objects in your mouth that aren’t intended to be there. Then, if you wait to contact your dentist, you could develop worsening damage, disease, or decay. Continue reading to learn more about 3 things most providers recommend keeping away from your teeth and gums to help protect your grin!
Item #1: Bottlecaps
You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt tempted to pry open a plastic or metal bottle cap with your teeth. It seems almost instinctive to bite down on the difficult top and try to pry it off, but doing so could cause serious dental damage.
For instance, using your teeth as tools in this capacity could cause chips, cracks, or breaks, or you might cut or gouge the insides of your gums, lips, or cheeks, which might then become infected. Thankfully, this can be avoided by taking a few moments to locate a more appropriate instrument for the job at hand, such as a bottle opener.
Item #2: Fingernails
Plenty of people nervously nibble their fingernails, especially during periods of elevated stress. You might think this harms your hands more than your teeth, but that’s not always the case.
This anxious habit can potentially cause different oral issues, like damaged or prematurely worn-down enamel, which increases the risk of cavities and injuries. You might also develop tooth or bite misalignments that can contribute to additional health concerns, like a stiff or locked jaw, headaches, or earaches. If you get the urge to chew, you might try some sugar-free gum instead.
Item #3: Someone Else’s Toothbrush
If you’re traveling or are unexpectedly away from home for the night, you might consider using someone else’s toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums. While this might seem like a wise way to help protect your smile, the truth is that most experts recommend against using someone else’s brush.
This is because dental concerns, such as cavities and gum disease, are contagious and spread via bacteria in the mouth. Toothbrush bristles collect different germs, bacteria, and residue, which can then be transferred to your mouth the next time you use it. As a result, the American Dental Association recommends using your own toothbrush and replacing it every 3 to 4 months to avoid common dental concerns.
If you have questions or concerns about recommended ways to help protect your smile, you can learn more by consulting your dentist directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Daniel Goldberg is passionate about helping improve his patients’ lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry and has since remained committed to lifelong learning to offer the most up-to-date service options using state-of-the-art technology. Today, he provides a comprehensive menu of services, including same-day and weekend emergency appointments, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. You can contact the office on the website or call (289) 366-3024.