Children are constantly coming up with new ways to navigate their world, and some tasks may seem more difficult than others. You may find that your child becomes resourceful and decides to use their teeth to help them out with different situations; however, it is important to teach them that teeth are only for chewing food – and nothing else. Your pediatric dentist explains the dangers posed to your child when they use their teeth as a tool.
Cutting Items
It probably doesn’t seem like a big deal to open a plastic bag or try to cut a soft string with your teeth; however, the pressure needed to properly cut items other than food may be greater than what your teeth are used to and could result in small fractures or other damage.
Holding Things
If their hands are full, your child might decide that it’s a good idea to hold onto a bag or other item with their teeth. Not only could this cause them to fall and sustain facial injuries, it also puts undo pressure on their teeth. Two trips to the car to carry their items in is a much better choice than an emergency trip to your pediatric dentist.
Cracking Nuts or Biting into Other Hard Items
Attempting to crack nuts with your teeth is a good way to fracture your tooth. Teach your children to use nutcrackers or other tools to cut hard foods into smaller pieces and avoid cracking their teeth.
Opening Bottles
Even if a bottle is made of plastic, it should never be opened with your teeth. Using your teeth causes numerous issues such as:
- Cracks or fractures
- Hard surfaces scraping the enamel off of teeth and increasing the risk of developing tooth decay and cavities
- Sharp edges causing injury to gums, cheeks, or lips
A Good Rule of Thumb
Teaching children that teeth are only for food is the best thing to do, and instilling this into their minds when they are young will help them develop respect for their teeth and good habits for the future.
If you find your child in an emergency situation due to a foreign object in their mouth or because they bit something they shouldn’t have, contact your pediatric dentist right away for immediate care.
About Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
Because Dr. Lily is a parent herself, she understands how important dental care is for children. This is why she strives to provide friendly and comprehensive care for children in an environment that helps them feel safe and at ease.
If you would like to contact Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lily can be reached by calling 469-925-0861 or through our website.