When it comes to maintaining their healthy smile, many patients focus on the “dos” of oral health, like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting a dental checkup every six months. Of course, it’s equally as important to focus on the “don’ts,” even if they don’t get as much attention. After all, the last thing you want is to wind up with a painful dental emergency! With this in mind, here are five things your dentist never puts in their mouth.
Lemons
From fresh apples to sweet watermelon, there are plenty of fruits that are filled with smile-friendly nutrients. There are some, however, that aren’t the best for your teeth, including lemons. In short, their acidic nature can result in enamel erosion, which can increase your chances of developing tooth decay. So, it’s best not to eat them straight. If you enjoy putting them in your water, then make sure to use a straw to protect your teeth!
Bottle Caps
Have you ever used your teeth to open a bottle? This is a big no-no according to dentists. Even if it’s worked countless times before, all it takes is one time for your tooth to give instead of the cap. Therefore, you should always use a bottle cap opener. Bonus tip: you should also avoid using your teeth to open packages, chip bags, and other items.
Other People’s Toothbrushes
From significant others and best friends to siblings, you should never use someone else’s toothbrush to clean your teeth. Not only will this expose you to the bacteria in their mouth, but it can also increase your chances of getting sick if they were recently under the weather. If you forgot your toothbrush, the best thing to do is purchase a new one at your local store.
Your Nails
Do you find yourself chewing on your nails when you’re stressed or bored? This unhealthy dental habit is bad news for a few reasons. To begin, it can create cracks in your enamel, lead to excessive wear and tear, and introduce your mouth to countless bacteria. So, when you feel the urge to engage in nail-biting, try something else, like squeezing a stress ball or reading a book.
Hard Candies
There’s a reason “Jawbreakers” have their name! If you bite into a hard candy, there’s a good chance you will crack, chip, or fracture a tooth. If you suck on them, allowing them to dissolve in your mouth, then the prolonged exposure to sugar increases your chances of developing a cavity. That’s why it’s best to opt for fresh fruit or sugar-free candy when you have a craving for something sweet.
As you can see, the “don’ts” are just as important as the “dos” when it comes to your oral health. If you want to learn more about how to prevent a dental emergency, talk to your dentist!
About the Practice
At Westgate Dental Care, you won’t just find a dental team that’s obsessed with excellence and your safety; we’re obsessed with your dental care too! We offer a wide variety of treatments in-house – from essential preventive care to last-minute emergency dentistry – to maintain, restore, and enhance your smile throughout the years. If you want to learn more about how to protect your smile from home or you’re overdue for your six-month dental checkup, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (847) 577-7171.