Table of Contents

• When You May Use Your Teeth as Tools
• The Risk of Using Your Teeth as Tools
• Other Ways You Can Accidentally Damage Your Teeth
• The Importance of Keeping Dental Tools on Hand
• Let Arden Family Dental Repair Damaged Teeth

It isn’t uncommon for dental patients to rip open a package with their teeth if appropriate tools are not within reach. In fact, most people have probably done this more than once during their lives. While you might not think much of this behavior, it can have a significant impact on your oral health and overall well-being. 

Using your teeth as tools has become an increasingly popular habit among dental patients. But, whether you’re trying to avoid damage to your teeth or have dealt with fragile teeth and accompanying problems in the past, this habit leaves a lasting impression. In this blog, we’ll discuss why using your teeth as tools is so harmful and the things that may happen if you don’t let this bad habit go. 

When You May Use Your Teeth as Tools

You may sometimes be tempted to use your teeth as tools, like tearing open packages, holding objects when your hands are full, or removing tags or bottle caps. While it might seem convenient in the moment, it’s important to remember that teeth aren’t designed for these tasks. Using them as tools can chip or crack enamel, loosen dental work, and even cause injury to your jaw or gums. 

Teeth are meant for biting and chewing food, not replacing scissors or bottle openers. If you often find yourself using your teeth in this way, try keeping small tools, such as scissors, pliers, or a multitool, easily accessible. Protecting your teeth from unnecessary stress helps maintain their strength, appearance, and long-term health.

The Risk of Using Your Teeth as Tools

When you think of using your teeth as tools, you might not think of this as a particularly harmful habit. You may think the odds of damaging your teeth while using them as a tool to open or carry something are slim. However, even if you take adequate care of your teeth every day, there are several significant risks of using your teeth as tools, including: 

• Chips: The most common injury when using your teeth as tools is the occurrence of chips, which can increase sensitivity and the risk of infection. 
• Fractured Teeth: If you fracture a tooth, you may need a root canal and crown to restore its appearance and function. 
• Tooth Displacement: Excessive force when trying to open packages or hold items between your teeth can lead to shifting and misalignment. 
• Gum Injury: Your sensitive gum tissue can be poked and punctured when you use your teeth as tools, which increases the risk of developing a gum infection. 
• Jaw Pain: Biting hard materials can put additional strain on the underlying bones, leading to increased muscle and joint pain. 

Although many of these problems can be quickly remedied by your trusted dental team, it is essential that you do everything in your power to protect your teeth from this damage altogether. By avoiding using your teeth as tools, you can trust that you’re taking the first steps toward protecting yourself from avoidable oral damage. 

Other Ways You Can Accidentally Damage Your Teeth

While using your teeth as tools is one of the easiest ways to accidentally damage your teeth, it isn’t the only way this damage occurs. In some cases, you may experience damage during everyday activities, such as eating and drinking. However, some other everyday habits that may lead to lasting tooth damage include: 

• Chewing ice and other hard substances.
• Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products. 
• Consuming excessive amounts of sugary or acidic foods. 
• Teeth grinding and not wearing a mouth guard. 
• Poor oral hygiene habits. 

Although you might not initially think of these things as damaging, repeated stress on your teeth can weaken them over time, leading to major damage. You may have chewed on ice or the end of a pen for years with no trouble. But it only takes one bite to damage your teeth, which is why it’s always best to avoid these habits entirely. 

The Importance of Keeping Dental Tools on Hand

There are a lot of things you can do to protect your teeth from damage, including avoiding using your teeth as tools. However, another great way to keep your teeth safe from avoidable damage is by keeping dental tools on hand. Some dental tools you should have within reach throughout the day include a toothbrush, floss, hand mirror, and interdental cleaners. 

Whether you’re trying to protect your teeth or investment in braces, these tools are essential for getting debris out from between your teeth without harming them. If these tools aren’t on hand, you may feel tempted to use the tip of a pen or pencil or a toothpick to get tough food debris out from between your teeth. 

Be sure to store a spare toothbrush and floss in your desk drawer, purse, or glove compartment to ensure easy access throughout the day. Not only will this help you avoid damaging your teeth, but it can also help you work toward achieving better oral health and maintaining an improved hygiene routine. 

Let Arden Family Dental Repair Damaged Teeth

When dealing with damaged teeth, it is crucial to consult a reliable dental team for support. At Arden Family Dental, our team is dedicated to helping you restore the appearance and function of damaged teeth. Whether you accidentally chipped or cracked your teeth, we can help you avoid lasting damage and discomfort. With our team on your side, you can trust that your smile will look and feel its best. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment to begin treating tooth damage, contact us today.