Your dental health is important for more than just a beautiful smile. Research has found several connections between oral and general health. Issues with your teeth and gums can increase your risk of various health problems, including heart attack and nutritional deficiencies. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments can keep your smile healthy; however, multiple factors affect your oral health, like the foods you eat and certain habits. Don’t let simple mistakes compromise your pearly whites. Here are 4 things your dentist recommends you keep out of your mouth to prevent a dental emergency.
1. Ice
Your teeth are protected by the hardest substance in your body, called enamel. Although it’s stronger than some metals, it isn’t indestructible and can break under pressure. If you have a habit of chewing on ice, it can take a toll on your enamel. Small fractures can occur over time, weakening your tooth. Eventually, your tooth can break. You can avoid an unplanned trip to an emergency dentist by drinking from a cup with a lid or leaving ice out to reduce the temptation.
2. Metal Bottle Caps
You probably don’t keep a bottle opener with you when you’re not home, which means you might turn to your teeth to pop the top off of your favorite beverage. Unfortunately, this can break down your tooth in the middle. You may even chip your tooth or lose it entirely. If you tend to use your teeth often, put a bottle opener on your keychain, so you’re more likely to use the right tool for the task.
3. Plastic Bottle Caps
Plastic is softer than metal, but it doesn’t make it any safer for your teeth. Biting down and twisting onto the plastic can fracture your teeth. You may even develop jaw pain and other problems by straining the muscles and joints. Although plastic bottle caps can be a pain to open, resist the urge to use your teeth.
4. Fingernails
Whether you have a nervous habit of biting your fingernails, or you do it out of boredom, you’re flattening the edges of your teeth. The increased wear and tear can cause small cracks in your enamel, which can lead to hypersensitivity. It also causes you to put your jaw in an unnatural position, which can cause jaw pain.
Preserve Your Natural Smile
No one has time for a dental emergency to interrupt their day. You can stay out of the dental chair and preserve your natural smile by breaking any bad habits for a healthy mouth and body.
About Dr. Jonathan Smiley
Dr. Smiley achieved his dental degree at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and has completed additional training at the Dawson Dental Academy. He has pursued advanced education in all aspects of dentistry, including emergency services. If you need a dentist in a hurry, contact our office today for an emergency appointment.