Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools

Our teeth have many important functions. They break down our food, shape our facial structures, make it possible to speak clearly, and much more. These are normal and healthy uses for teeth, but when we use them as tools for other reasons, we risk causing serious damage.

Teeth are Not Substitutes for Nail Clippers

The damage that nail-biting can do is worthy of its own blog post, but we’ll summarize it here. Our fingernails are the least sanitary parts of our hands because the area underneath them is nearly impossible to keep clean. This is because germs love to grow there, and those same germs transfer to your mouth each time you bite your nails. In addition, this puts unnecessary wear and tear onto your front teeth and could cause them to become misaligned.Nails aren’t the only things people might be tempted to bite. Sometimes, they find it convenient to use teeth while opening items like envelopes, bottles, and plastic packages. However, this is not a good idea because you can crack or chip your teeth, potentially causing permanent damage and the need for a dental crown. Instead, take the time to find scissors or another cutting tool, and prevent further harm to your teeth.

Use an Actual Nutcracker

It is never a good idea to break open walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or even half-popped popcorn kernels with your teeth. Doing so carries a major risk of damaging your teeth, especially if they have undergone a dental procedure or have an untreated cavity. In any case, it’s much safer to use a nutcracker.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as a Third Hand

Sometimes, when we’re in the middle of a busy task, we run out of hands to hold things, and it seems much easier to briefly stick a few nails some sewing pins in our mouths. However, the convenience isn’t worth the risks. What happens if you trip, fall, or have a sudden yawn or hiccup? Even if an accident never happens, this still can cause a lot of wear and tear on your teeth.

Only Use Teeth for Their Intended Purposes

Cracking and fracturing are the third-highest causes of tooth loss, and you can significantly reduce the need for an emergency dental visit by only using your teeth for their intended purpose. In addition, don’t forget to continue twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and regularly visiting your dentist in Colorado Springs. To schedule an appointment, call Esthetic Family Dentistry today!The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.