When you hear “oral hygiene,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s brushing, flossing, and getting a dental cleaning every six months. While these are certainly important, there’s actually quite a bit more to it! With this in mind, keep reading to learn seven things your dentist never puts in their mouth.
Whole Lemons
Due to their acidic nature, lemons can quickly wear away the enamel on your teeth. For this reason, it’s a good idea not to eat them whole. If you enjoy putting them in your water, make sure to use a straw!
Big Ice Cubes
Do you love chewing on ice cubes? Unfortunately, this increases your chances of sustaining a dental injury, like a cracked tooth. Not only can this be painful, but it also may require extensive restorative care to address. So, it’s best to steer clear of this habit altogether, even with crushed ice.
Bottle Caps
While it may be convenient, it’s never a good idea to use your teeth as tools to open things. Even if you’ve done it 100 times before without a problem, all it takes is one time for your teeth to give instead of the bottle cap. That’s why it’s always worth taking a few extra minutes to locate the bottle opener!
Other People’s Toothbrushes
Whether it’s your best friend, brother, or significant other, you should never use someone else’s toothbrush. Not only does this expose you to all of the bacteria in their mouth, but it also increases your chances of getting sick, especially if they were recently ill. In short, for the sake of your oral and overall health, don’t ever use someone else’s toothbrush.
Fingernails
Nail-biting is an extremely common habit. Unfortunately, however, it isn’t a smile-friendly one. In addition to exposing your mouth to the bacteria underneath your nails, engaging in this behavior can cause your teeth to chip and crack from the pressure. If you’re having a hard time stopping, try talking to your primary care physician or dentist for tips to help!
Hard, Sticky, and Chewy Candies
While sugary treats are well known for causing cavities, not all candies are equal. For example, dark chocolate bars are lower in sugar and don’t cling to your teeth like gummy worms, Starburst, and taffy do. So, be mindful of the treats you choose to indulge in!
Cigarettes
Smoking has been linked to several oral and overall health concerns, including oral cancer. That’s why kicking the habit altogether is the best option! Naturally, this is easier said than done. But don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor so they can help you put a plan in place to quit.
Naturally, your dentist is your greatest ally when it comes to your oral health. So, follow in their footsteps and don’t put these things in your mouth!
About the Practice
Neosmile Dental Care is home to an exceptional team of dental professionals that are passionate about creating healthy, happy smiles. In addition to offering a wide range of treatments in-house – from essential preventive care to smile-transforming cosmetic dentistry – we have convenient hours so that caring for your smile is never a chore. If you have a question about how to keep your smile healthy at home or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (215) 643-5220.
