Things Your Dentist Never Puts in Their Mouth

Dentists spend years learning about the intricacies of oral health. As highly trained professionals, they know they need to set a good example for their patients when it comes to taking care of their teeth and gums. In this blog post, you will learn about some things that your dentist probably never puts in their mouth — things that you should not put in your mouth, either! Your good habits can protect your smile and potentially help you avoid a dental emergency.

Lemons

A squeeze of lemon juice in your ice water or tea can add a refreshing burst of flavor to your beverage. Lemons are also a great source of vitamin C. But they are not a snack! Some people are in the habit of sucking on lemons. Unfortunately, this fruit is so acidic that it could quickly erode your enamel, leading to dental sensitivity and increasing your risk of cavities.

Bottle Caps and Other Non-Food Items

Your teeth are designed to chew food. They are not meant to be used as a tool to pry off bottle caps, open packages, or trim your fingernails. Misusing them for such purposes could wear down your enamel or even cause painful chips and cracks. If you find you are often tempted to use your teeth for tasks they were not designed for, try carrying a small multi-tool with you.

Ice

Ice can provide a satisfying crunch when you bite on it, but unfortunately, doing that comes with a high price. Ice is quite hard, and it could break or crack your teeth over time. If you love to crunch on ice, try replacing it with a safer alternative, such as raw carrots.

Someone Else’s Toothbrush

Have you ever found yourself tempted to use someone else’s toothbrush? Whether you just ate a pungent meal or unexpectedly spent the night away from home, you might find yourself wondering whether it is okay to borrow a friend’s toothbrush. It is not a good idea. Bacteria could transfer into your mouth and make you sick. Ask if your friend has an unused toothbrush you could use. Or, you could buy some disposable toothbrushes that already have toothpaste on them and try to keep one handy at all times.

Cigarettes

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. It increases the risk of bad breath, gum infections, and oral cancer. If you are struggling to quit, talk to your primary care provider or other members of your care team. Ask them about resources that could help you break away from this damaging habit.

Meet the Practice

At Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach, our highly skilled dentists, hygienists, and other team members are proud to provide top-quality services for our community. We are able to accept emergency cases on a same-day basis, and we are always happy to provide advice on daily oral care. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 772-569-4424.