Kids never like going to the dentist. If you’re a parent, you know that better than anyone. Sometimes it feels like a miracle just getting them to go to their routine checkups! That’s why it’s best to avoid having to go to the dentist for emergency reasons. One way to do that is by teaching them to not use their teeth as tools. If your child uses their teeth for anything other than eating, they could risk facing a fractured tooth and extensive dental repairs. A pediatric dentist is here to explain 4 things you shouldn’t let your child do with their teeth.
Open Bottles
Although not a lot of children’s drinks come in glass bottles, it’s still important to teach them from a young age not to open them with their teeth. This is one of the most traumatic things you can do with your teeth, and is very likely to crack a tooth. In addition, the hard metal surface of the bottle cap can scrape away enamel, or the outer layer of the tooth, and leave the tooth more vulnerable to cavities. If your kid has to have a drink from a glass bottle, simply open it for them.
Crack Nuts
Nuts are delicious and nutritious, but the hard shell should absolutely never be cracked open by teeth. It can sometimes result in the tooth being cracked instead of the nut! If your little one really wants to eat nuts with shells, teach them how to safely use a metal nutcracker.
Cut Anything Besides Food
It can be tempting to use teeth to open bags when you don’t have access to scissors. However, the pressure required to cut things is far greater than what is needed to chew. Teeth aren’t used to that kind of pressure and can crack under the stress. Tell your child how to use scissors safely if they need to cut anything, or you can just cut it for them.
Hold Things
The mouth seems like an easy place to hold things that can’t fit in your hands, like that last grocery bag. However, teeth can easily fracture under the stress of carrying things. You or your kid could trip and fall and sustain injuries to your face and mouth that can be painful and expensive. Teach your child that it’s always safer to just make more than one trip when carrying groceries inside.
Teeth are made for chewing, and that’s about it. By allowing your son or daughter to use their teeth as tools, you are increasing their risk of costly and extensive dental injuries. Explain to your child that teeth are only used for eating and smiling.
About the Author
Dr. Lily achieved her doctorate at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. She then completed her pediatric certification at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. She has a special passion for treating children and helping their little smiles grow happy and healthy. She can be contacted on her website or on the phone at (469)-925-0861.