Breaking Bad Habits: Teeth are Not Tools
Everyone has done it at one time or another. You’re away from your scissors and need something to cut with. Why not use your pearly whites? Just remember: your teeth are not tools!
The enamel on your teeth is one of the hardest substances in your body. But that doesn’t mean you should use it as your own personal Swiss Army knife. We’ve all heard of people using their teeth to bite off price tags, rip open containers, chomp off pieces of tape, or even open bottles!
Your teeth are not tools
Your tooth enamel is a protective coating in place to protect the tools you need to eat food. And while enamel may be tough, your teeth are not abuse-resistant. They can crack and break just like anything else. Tooth damage is painful, so don’t put your smile at risk.
Be kind to your pearly whites! Use them for chewing and speaking, not as power tools. Here are some ways to start breaking bad habits:
- Stop chewing ice. Although chewing ice is easy to do when it’s hot outside and you’re thirsting for every drop of your icy beverage, don’t do it. Opt for a glass with more water and less ice instead of chowing down on the ice. Save yourself some irreparable damage to your teeth.
- No more cutting – teeth are not scissors. Avoid using your teeth to cut or pull on anything, like tape, bags of chips, fishing line, or even shopping tags. This can wear your enamel down unnecessarily, which could lead to cavities, sensitivity to temperatures, and worse. Use actual tools instead and save yourself the pain and financial misery that comes with oral health damage.
- Don’t be a show-off. Don’t try to pop off a bottle cap with your teeth. Not only can the cap cut your tongue or gums, but it can also crack or break a tooth.
Your teeth should be used for three tasks:
- Cutting and chewing food
- Helping you pronounce words
- Smiling
Chips and cracks on your teeth can be very painful and may lead to permanent damage or even extraction! For some people, chewing on objects like pencils or fingernails is a hard-to-break habit. However, you can stop. It just takes patience and practice.
Learn more about how to keep your teeth healthy:
Related stories
-
Beat the Thanksgiving Guilt – Healthier Thanksgiving Side Options
Thanksgiving dinner—the one time each year we justify eating until our pants can’t button. Unfortunately, we aren’t … Read More
-
Oral Health Risks of Vaping
Vaping is a popular term for smoking an e-cigarette or vaporizing marijuana. According to the CDC, the … Read More
-
Tooth-friendly treats: Sugar-free sugar cookies
Craving a sweet treat without as much guilt this holiday season? Try out these sugar-free sugar cookies! … Read More
Sign Up Now
Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 305 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 166 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 91 Likes
- 4 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 71 Likes
- 5 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 53 Likes
- 6 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 49 Likes
- 7 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 44 Likes
- 8 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 39 Likes
- 9 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 38 Likes
- 10 Signs of diabetic eye problems 36 Likes