We’ve all been there: trying to open a package, a bottle, or even rip a piece of tape without scissors. Using our teeth as tools can be tempting, but doing so can cause serious dental problems. Knowing the pitfalls of using your teeth as tools can make you think twice.
Teeth are Not Tools
Teeth are for biting, chewing, and breaking down food. They aren’t for opening bottles, ripping packages, or cracking nuts. Using your teeth as tools can cause chips, cracks, and even break them. Remember that our teeth are delicate and you should treat them with care because they don’t grow back.
Dental Damage
Using your teeth to open packages, crack nuts, or hold objects can lead to serious damage. You might chip, crack, or even break a tooth. These injuries often hurt and cost a lot to fix. In worst cases, the tooth could be damaged beyond repair and need to be pulled. While treatments like dental bonding or crowns can fix some damage, it’s much better to avoid it in the first place.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Always use scissors or bottle openers instead of your teeth
- Don’t chew on ice, pens, or other hard objects
- If you do damage a tooth, see your dentist right away
- Get a night guard if you grind your teeth at night
- Remember that dental work doesn’t last forever, so prevention is cheaper
Taking care of your teeth now will save you pain and expensive dental bills later. If you’ve already damaged a tooth, don’t wait to schedule an appointment so we can help prevent further problems.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Using your teeth as tools can put stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. This can lead to TMJ disorder that can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth. Most TMJ cases improve with simple care, but severe ones may need surgery.
Risk of Infection
Every time you use your teeth to open packages, tear tags, or crack open bottles, you’re inviting trouble. Those quick fixes expose your teeth to all kinds of germs and bacteria that don’t belong in your mouth. Before you know it, you could be dealing with a painful infection in your teeth or gums that might need antibiotics or even a root canal to fix.
Your teeth already work hard enough chewing your food all day. When you make them handle jobs meant for scissors or bottle openers, you’re pushing them past their limits. A simple slip could mean cracked enamel or cuts to your gums, creating perfect entry points for infection.
Broken Dental Work
If you have dental work such as fillings, crowns, or veneers, using your teeth as tools can damage or dislodge them. This can be costly to repair and may require additional dental work. In some cases, the damage may be irreversible, leading to the need for replacement dental work.
What Can You Do Instead?
Instead of using your teeth as tools, use the proper tools for the job. Keep a small multi-tool or pocketknife on hand for opening packages, and use a bottle opener for bottles. If you’re having trouble opening a package, use scissors instead of your teeth. Also, keep dental floss or a toothpick on hand to remove stubborn food particles between your teeth.
Using your teeth as tools can cause serious dental damage, TMJ disorder, and infections. Remember to treat your teeth carefully and use the proper tools for the job. If you experience any dental pain or damage, contact your dental professional for an evaluation and treatment. By taking care of your teeth and avoiding using them as tools, you are ensuring you have a healthy smile.