When the holidays arrive, sometimes we tend to pick up habits -- and food! -- that we normally don't. Don't get out of your routine or go for "shortcuts" that can land you in trouble. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your teeth healthy!
- Don't crack nuts with your teeth. Now's the time of year with plentiful bowls of shelled nuts abound, so find your nearest nutcracker and let it do the dirty work while keeping your teeth safe. There's a reason that those sturdy utensils exist -- to save your teeth! If stubborn shells are too tempting for you, then spurge on the unshelled package -- it will save you money in the long run!
- Use proper tools to open packages and bottles. We know you can get caught up in the rush and want to just tear into that package as quickly as possible. Just make sure you have some scissors or a knife handy to do the honors for you. Using your teeth to tear into plastic packages or pull bottle tops off is a recipe for disaster! While your teeth are strong, these other objects are just as strong or even stronger and biting into them with the tips of your teeth is going to lead to chipping and cracking -- which may need root canal treatment or a crown to repair. Nobody wants that type of gift!
- Stay away from chewy sticky candy. Caramels, toffee, gum drops... these sweets seem to be everywhere this time of year. They're full of sugar and their sticky nature makes them hard to remove from teeth; leaving sweets stuck to your teeth is just asking for cavities! Plus, those extra chewy treats can pull a filling or crown right off of your tooth! If you're going to eat sweets, try to limit the sticky kind and only eat them along with meals to dilute the effects of sugar on your teeth.
- Don't crunch and chew ice. If you're lingering with your drink at a holiday party, let the ice melt in your mouth instead of chewing it. Chewing ice puts a lot of stress on your teeth and can cause fracture lines. Overtime, these fracture lines grow longer and deeper and can lead to a chipped or cracked tooth that needs a filling, crown, or even root canal treatment.
- No nail biting. While the holidays can be stressful, biting your nails won't provide any relief. In fact, nail biting damages both your nails and your teeth. The habit can be linked to teeth clenching and grinding, jaw problems, and tooth sensitivity. If you get the urge, try to take a moment to relax until the feeling goes away.
So the common theme here seems to be: don't use your teeth as tools and don't use them to chew anything other than food! If you can stick to these tips, you should be in good shape protecting your teeth over the holidays and all year round!
Of course, if you should slip up or have an accident, don't hesitate to call Dr. Jacques!
