You may habitually put objects in your mouth that shouldn’t be there. Aside from all the bacteria that can be exchanged from placing objects into your mouth, some items can damage your teeth, and you may need major dental work to fix them.
Ice: Our teeth are designed for chewing, not crushing. Even a blender needs special blades to grind ice,…
You may habitually put objects in your mouth that shouldn’t be there. Aside from all the bacteria that can be exchanged from placing objects into your mouth, some items can damage your teeth, and you may need major dental work to fix them.
Ice: Our teeth are designed for chewing, not crushing. Even a blender needs special blades to grind ice, and your teeth can’t compare. Because ice cubes are so hard, forcing your teeth to break through them can cause chips or fractures. The cold temperature can also affect your sensitivity.
Packages: Your teeth are not scissors. Many people use their teeth to tear open a package of ketchup, rip off a tag, or open a bag of chips. Unnecessary pressure and force on your teeth can crack your dental work or affect your bite.
Pens: Out of concentration or nervousness, people may chew on a pen or pencil while thinking about something. They don’t concentrate on how much pressure they are placing on the object. Biting on a non-food item can cause your teeth to break or shift. It’s also a health hazard because you probably don’t realize the germs that have been on that pen before putting it into your mouth.
Fingernails: Your teeth have to apply significant force to break through your nail. Regularly biting your nails can cause your teeth to shift or crack. It’s also a big bacteria exchanger, because of everything you’ve touched throughout the day, and how many people touched it before you.
Toothpicks: The name implies that they are for your teeth. While they can be helpful in keeping your teeth clean, be careful. If you’re too aggressive, you can poke your gums, injuring the tissue and opening it up for infection.
One thing you can put in your mouth – the hands of an experienced, gentle dentist. If you habitually chomp on items that are not intended for oral use, Dr. Erpenbach can inspect your mouth to make sure you’re not damaging your teeth. Contact Knoxville Dentist at 865-584-8630 to schedule an appointment.
