Dentists spend their careers teaching patients how to protect their teeth, so it’s fair to wonder what habits they follow themselves. Like the rest of us, dentists aren’t perfect, but there are certain things they generally know aren’t worth putting their teeth at risk for. Let’s look at a few things your dentist would probably recommend keeping away from your mouth to avoid potential issues.
Ice Cubes
Chewing ice may seem harmless, especially if you do it out of habit. However, ice is hard enough to chip or fracture a tooth. It can also damage dental fillings, crowns, and other restorations.
If you enjoy chewing ice, try letting it melt instead. Persistent cravings for ice may also be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Hard Objects
Your teeth are designed for eating food, not to act as Swiss Army Knives! Avoid using them to open packages, cut tape, or crack nuts. Using your teeth as tools can place excessive pressure on them and potentially lead to chips, cracks, or other damage.
Keep scissors, bottle openers, and other tools handy so your teeth don’t have to do the job.
Sticky, Sugary Foods All Day
Dentists aren’t necessarily avoiding every piece of candy. Instead, they understand that how frequently sugar contacts your teeth matters.
Constantly snacking on sticky sweets or sipping sugary beverages throughout the day gives oral bacteria repeated opportunities to produce acids that contribute to tooth decay. Enjoying treats occasionally and maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce this risk.
Tobacco Products
Smoking and other tobacco use can negatively affect oral health. Tobacco is associated with gum disease, tooth loss, staining, and an increased risk of oral cancer.
Avoiding tobacco is an important part of protecting your mouth as well as your overall health.
Excessive Sugary or Acidic Drinks
Soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, and other acidic or sugary beverages can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion, particularly when consumed frequently.
Dentists often recommend choosing water more often and limiting how frequently your teeth are exposed to these beverages.
DIY Dental Treatments
Your dentist may also avoid putting untested household substances or homemade remedies in their mouth. Just because something is marketed online as a natural way to whiten teeth, remove stains, or treat dental problems doesn’t mean it’s safe for your enamel or gums.
Professional evaluation is a safer way to address persistent dental concerns.
You don’t have to follow a perfect diet to have healthy teeth. Small choices such as avoiding chewing ice, using your teeth as tools, limiting frequent sugar exposure, and avoiding tobacco, can make a meaningful difference.
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose earned her doctorate in dental medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has been in private practice in the Melbourne, FL area since 1996. She’s continued her education through the years with postgraduate training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute and clinical seminars through the American Dental Association. If you’ve experienced a dental emergency, contact Dr. Rose’s office immediately for a same-day appointment at (321) 259-4666 or book online.