Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

Using your teeth as tools for tasks like opening packages, removing tags, or cutting tape might seem convenient, especially around the holidays when we’re all racing against the clock. But it’s a habit that can lead to a range of dental problems.

Teeth have one job: they are designed for eating. Each type of tooth has a specific role in the eating process – incisors cut, canines tear, and molars grind and crush food. Despite their strength, teeth are not intended to withstand the pressures and types of forces exerted when used as tools. Using them for tasks they are not intended to perform can lead to all kinds of problems, from enamel erosion and sensitivity to oral infections as well as tooth damage and loss.

Things not to do with your teeth (and why)

Breaking threads, tearing tape – Using your teeth for these tasks can damage tooth enamel, weaken teeth and, over time, even cause your teeth to shift out of position, affecting your bite and potentially leading to orthodontic issues.

Crunching ice – if you prefer crushed ice, get a fancy fridge or a hammer. Don’t use your teeth to pulverize the cubes in your glass. Chewing ice can cause all sorts of dental problems such as cracked teeth, damaging existing dental work, and irritating your gums.

Detaching clothing tags – Teeth are not designed to pull, rip or tug at materials like plastic or fabric. Yanking on tags with your teeth can weaken them or damage the enamel.

Holding objects – Ever held your pen (or screws/nails) between your teeth while multitasking? Yes, we all have done this at some point or another. It’s a bad idea, over time this habit can lead to tooth misalignment or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Nail biting – this probably won’t physically damage healthy teeth but can transfer harmful bacteria from the object to your mouth, potentially increasing the risk of infections and oral health issues.

Opening packaging – no matter how annoying product packaging is, and how eager you are to access whatever is in that bag or container, don’t try to tear it open with your teeth. The uneven surfaces and often hard materials of packaging can exert uneven pressure on the teeth, causing chipping or fracturing.

Removing bottle caps – Just the thought of this sends shivers down your dentist’s spine. Using your teeth as a bottle opener can cause cracks, fractures, or even tooth loss due to the hard metal or plastic against the teeth.

Protect your teeth and smile

Always use the right tool for the job; scissors, bottle openers, pliers, or whatever tool is meant for the job at hand. Save your teeth for what they were meant for – a lifetime of healthy eating and smiling. With a little awareness, you can break the habit of using teeth as tools. And regular visits to the dentist can help identify any damage early and prevent further issues.

Damaged teeth? How to get affordable dental care

Whether you need to handle a dental emergency ASAP or access regular preventive care, a dental savings plan can help reduce the cost.

Plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care. And the advantages extend beyond reducing the cost of care. Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans have no annual limits, no restrictions on existing health conditions, and your savings start right away, even on restorative care such as root canals, crowns, dentures and dental implants. Many plans even cover cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening and overlays.

If you’d like help choosing the best dental plan for you, give us a call at 1-833-735-0399. We’re DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace, with over 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare, accepted by over 70% of dentists and specialists nationwide.

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*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.