Consuming sports drinks, fruit juices, and carbonated beverages that are high in sugar content is not the only habit that can threaten the health of your teeth. Habits involving chewing on pencils and ice can also cause teeth to crack. If this absentminded chomping on inappropriate objects irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth (pulp), sharp or lingering toothaches triggered by eating hot or cold foods and drinks may follow. With this in mind, it is potentially equally harmful to use your teeth to open bottles or plastic packaging. Teeth should never be used in place of scissors, razors, bottle openers, and other tools. Misusing teeth for anything other than their intended purposes invites damage, which may prove costly.
Today’s helpful and interesting column has been brought to you as a public service. At West Brookfield Dental, we take the time to listen to our patients and suggest ways they can help themselves to better dental health. Please call us at 508.867.2777 to make an appointment. We’re located at 9 West Main St., West Brookfield, where our extremely qualified staff will provide you with dental care of the highest quality available, utilizing the most modern procedures.
P.S. Always floss (or use a toothpick) after eating potato chips; raisins; and other sticky, sugary, or starchy foods.
