When it comes to advice on keeping your smile healthy, happy, and beautiful, you shouldn’t look to content creators on social media; you should look to your dentist! After all, they have years of training and experience on all things oral health, including what NOT to do. With this in mind, keep reading for six things your dentist never puts in their mouth.
1. Whole Lemons
Although lemons offer several health benefits – from improving digestion to preventing kidney stones – they are incredibly acidic. So, if you drink straight lemon juice, it’s only a matter of time until your enamel begins to erode. That’s why it’s best to dilute it in water! This ensures that you get some of the health benefits without compromising your oral health.
2. Gum with Sugar
Did you know that gum contains upwards of 6 grams of sugar? Since this sweetener is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, it’s important that you read the nutritional facts before buying your next pack. Fortunately, sugar-free varieties come in just about every flavor now!
3. Fingernails
According to UCLA Health, roughly 30% of the population bites their nails. While this habit might seem harmless, it can lead to chips and cracks in your enamel. Plus, all of the bacteria and germs under your nails are exposed to your mouth in the process. That’s why it’s important to quit this habit sooner rather than later.
4. Other People’s Toothbrushes
No matter how close you are with someone, you should not use their toothbrush – even in a pinch. After all, the bristles are coated with plaque, food particles, and other debris that was once in their mouth. So, if you forgot your toothbrush and you’re out of town, it’s worth going to the store to get a new one or having one delivered to you instead.
5. Lollipops
Lollipops (or really any hard candy) are problematic for two reasons. The first is that biting into them can lead to a serious chip or fracture. The second is that sucking on them until they dissolve continuously exposes your teeth to sugar, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
6. Keys
Be honest… Have you ever put your keys in your mouth when your hands are full? If so, make sure that it doesn’t become a habit! After all, this can easily lead to dental damage, like a cracked tooth, and the surface is filled with bacteria, germs, and grime.
About the Practice
Leading our Worcester dental team is Dr. Joseph Costa, a Dawson Academy-trained dentist. He loves using everything he has learned throughout the years to help our patients keep their smiles in pristine condition, and he’s also available for emergency dentistry. So, whether you want to schedule your next dental checkup or you need to schedule a same-day visit, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 755-1980.