Dentists spend their careers studying the mouth, teeth, gums, and everything that helps or harms oral health. With years of training and daily firsthand experience, they know exactly what can damage enamel, irritate gums, or introduce harmful bacteria. So, it’s no surprise that there are certain things your dentist would never put in their own mouth. Here are 5 things dental professionals consistently avoid, and why you might want to steer clear of them, too.
1. Ice Cubes
Plenty of people chew ice without thinking twice, but your dentist definitely isn’t one of them. Ice may seem harmless because it’s just frozen water, but its hardness makes it dangerous for your teeth. Chewing on ice can cause chips, cracks, and even broken fillings or crowns. It also exposes your teeth to extreme temperature changes, which can contribute to tooth sensitivity. Dentists know that keeping ice in your drink—not between your teeth—is the safer choice.
2. Unpopped Popcorn Kernels
Popcorn is a classic snack, but dentists are careful for good reason. Biting down on a hidden unpopped kernel acts like chewing a rock. Many dental emergencies stem from popcorn-related cracked teeth, fractured fillings, or broken dental crowns. Additionally, popcorn hulls can easily get stuck under your gums, causing irritation or painful inflammation. Dentists will enjoy popcorn, but they’ll eat it mindfully and never crunch down on kernels.
3. Sticky, Gummy Candies
From caramels to gummy bears, sticky candies cling stubbornly to teeth. Your dentist knows these treats are a fast track to cavities because they stay in the grooves of your teeth long after you’re done eating. The sugars feed oral bacteria, producing acids that erode enamel. The stickiness can also pull out fillings or loosen crowns. While your dentist might enjoy sweets occasionally, they avoid ultra-sticky treats that linger and cause decay.
4. Hard Non-Food Items
This includes fingernails, pen caps, pencils, or anything that isn’t meant to be chewed. Dentists see the effects of these habits regularly: chipped teeth, uneven wear, and jaw discomfort. Chewing on hard objects also exposes your mouth to bacteria and can introduce germs directly into your body. Dentists avoid this habit and often recommend stress-relief alternatives, like fidget tools or sugar-free gum, for patients who tend to chew when anxious.
5. Lemon Wedges or Straight Citrus
A squeeze of lemon in your water is fine, but your dentist avoids sucking on straight lemon or lime wedges. Citrus fruits are highly acidic, and holding them against your teeth softens enamel, making it more vulnerable to erosion and staining. Over time, this can lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities. Instead of directly sucking on citrus, dentists prefer consuming these fruits as part of a meal and rinsing with water afterward.
Dentists don’t just recommend good oral habits; they practice them, too. By avoiding these common enamel-destroying culprits, they protect their teeth and maintain long-term oral health. Following their lead can help you keep your smile strong, healthy, and cavity-free.
About the Practice
Are you experiencing a dental emergency? Woodside Dental Care can help! We are committed to your comfort and recovery; that’s why we offer same-day emergency appointments, so we can treat your pain quickly and efficiently. We have more than 30 years of experience serving Woodside patients, and we offer in-house financing and CareCredit to help ease the burden of costs on you. Schedule an appointment online or call (718) 898-6010.