13 things dentists never put in their mouth

Dentists know all about good oral hygiene, but taking care of your teeth is more than just brushing and flossing twice a day. In fact, there are some things that dentists never put in their mouths – so neither should you. From ice to lemons, here are the things to avoid to maintain a healthy smile.

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They’re a fruit after all – so how much harm could they cause? As it turns out, a whole lot. People have a habit of sucking on lemons and keeping them in their mouth for longer than they would other food, explains dentist, Dr Victoria Veytsman. Because lemons are so acidic, she warns this can lead to enamel erosion and also throws off the mouth’s ideal balance of acids and bases, known as pH balance.

For whatever reason, many people love to chew on ice or ice chips. But doing so sets up a battle between your teeth and the ice. In fact, dentist Dr Peter Vanstrom has seen many cases each year where the ice cube has won and a tooth or several teeth are fractured. “These fractured teeth may require crowns to restore proper function and stability,” he says. Instead of munching on ice, he recommends sipping chilled beverages or using a straw so you’re not tempted to crunch.

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When you don’t have a bottle opener, it can be tempting to use your teeth, but this is a major no-no according to dentists. “If you break a tooth down the middle, you may lose the tooth entirely and need an implant and implant crown,” says dentist, Dr Bill Dorfman. “It’s just not worth it.” Instead, wait until you have a bottle opener or at least another instrument besides your teeth to crank it open.

Just like bottle caps, plastic bottle tops can be a pain to open. But resist the temptation to put the plastic top in your mouth, bite down and then twist to loosen the cap. “This can not only cause teeth fractures but muscle and temporomandibular joint [TMJ] pain and problems,” warns Dr Vanstrom. “That twist of your head and jaw put a quite a bit of strain on your chewing muscles and joints.” Instead, avoid teeth fractures, muscle pain and TMJ problems by using your hands.

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Whether it’s your significant other’s or your best friend’s, resist the temptation to borrow a toothbrush – even if it’s just for one night. “Not only are they full of bacteria, but the biggest risk is that, if the person is sick or about to get sick, you will too,” warns Dr Dorfman. “There are also studies that suggest that the bacteria that cause tooth decay can be spread through sharing toothbrushes.”

When it comes to harmful nervous habits, biting your nails might not be the worst. But dentist, Dr Lana Rozenberg, warns that the habit can flatten the edges of your front teeth. “Over time, your teeth can wear faster and nail-biting can create cracks on the enamel of your teeth until they become hypersensitive,” she says. “The biting action also puts your jaw in an unnatural position that can stress your joints, can cause grinding and clenching – and this prolonged pressure and friction can cause pain in your teeth, ears and jaw.”

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“Hard candy lingers in the mouth for a long time as you wait for it to dissolve and deliver sugary goodness,” says Dr Rozenberg. “It could take up to 10 minutes for some hard candies to dissolve and there are no health benefits associated with hard candy.” If you’re not patient enough to wait until the sweet is dissolved, chewing on it can lead to cracked teeth and cuts on the inside of the mouth.

When you’re walking to or from your car and are carrying more items than you have hands for, it can be tempting to slide your keys in your mouth and bite down to hold them, but this can cost you that perfect smile. “Keys are a culprit for chipped or cracked teeth,” warns Dr Vanstrom. “Keys are also filled with bacteria that can make you sick, so when in doubt, put the bags down and open the car or door.”

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“People have chewed on pencils, pens, the metal support of erasers, and paper clips for generations – and, for generations, people have been breaking teeth,” says Dr Vanstrom. While it’s tempting to chew on your pen or eraser when you’re bored, he recommends instead opting for sugar-free gum. This way, you’re not putting a bacteria-riddled item in your mouth and you’re preserving your smile.