Dental emergencies can be frightening and happen when you least expect them to. Although some accidents aren’t entirely avoidable, there are many steps you can take to prevent a dental emergency. Biting down on the wrong item or food can easily result in chipped or broken teeth. Luckily, being mindful of what you put in your mouth can help keep your pearly whites safe. Here are five things you should avoid.
Lemons
Since lemons are considered a fruit, most people find them completely harmless and eat them regularly. Some drink lemon water every morning, claiming it helps with digestion and ups their vitamin C intake. Others might simply suck on a lemon as a tasty treat! However, the citrus fruit can do much more damage than you think. Because they’re highly acidic, they can cause enamel erosion and throw off the mouth’s pH balance.
Ice
After finishing a cool drink, lots of people enjoy munching on the leftover ice cubes. Although it might be a satisfying treat, it can easily result in a dental emergency. Every year, dentists see patients who’ve fractured one or more teeth from chewing on ice. If you can’t kick the ice-eating habit, get a slushie to satisfy your craving instead. The finely shaven, semi-melted pieces of ice are much easier to consume.
Bottle Caps
Drinks with plastic or metal bottle caps can be a pain to open sometimes. However, you should never resort to using your teeth no matter how tempted you are! By doing so, you increase your risk of chipping, breaking or losing a tooth, muscle pain, and even TMJ problems. Instead, wait for a bottle opener or another person to help you crank that drink open.
Your Fingernails
Although nail-biting isn’t one of the worst habits to have, it can still be quite harmful to your smile. Over time, biting your nails can wear down the teeth and create cracks in the enamel. Plus, the action of biting puts your jaw in an unnatural position, potentially leading to pain in your teeth, ears, and jaw.
Pens
Have you ever mindlessly chewed on a pen? It’s a common habit that most people do when they’re bored – and they might not even realize it! Unfortunately, it can result in broken teeth and introduce your mouth to unwanted bacteria. If you feel tempted to chew on a pen, consider opting for sugar-free gum instead. It’ll freshen your breath and help preserve your smile!
Dentists would never put the things outlined above in their mouths – so neither should you. By avoiding these items, you can prevent a dental emergency and maintain a happy and healthy smile for years to come!
About the Practice
At Warnick and Semder Dentistry, we are passionate about helping our patients achieve and maintain their absolute best smiles. We offer comprehensive services that are guaranteed to meet all your oral health needs. Our team understands dental emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye, which is why we provide same-day care for prompt relief. If you have a chipped or broken tooth after putting the wrong thing in your mouth, don’t hesitate to contact us for treatment. Visit our website or call our office to schedule an emergency visit.