There are tons of trends on the popular app TikTok, and while some are fun and harmless, others can pose potential dangers. One of the new TikTok trends we’ve been seeing are videos of users opening bottles with their teeth.
This can be very harmful to the teeth, and what seems like fun at first can have serious effects on your teeth. If you have hurt your teeth by opening a bottle with them, our dentist office can help.
The Dangerous TikTok Trend
While it may be obvious to some, opening bottles with your teeth can chip, break, and even fracture the teeth. The TikTok video of singer Madison Beer in which she opens a beer bottle with her teeth, went viral on the video-sharing platform and dentist are warning people not to follow suit. It’s a good reminder for our patients to make sure that neither they nor their children, use their teeth as tools for anything other than eating.
This might seem like a cool party trick or a great way to get views on the platform, but it can lead to a dental emergency, all it takes is one unfortunate slip. Even if you do try opening a bottle with your teeth, or have been doing so for some time, this can put pressure and strain on your teeth that you won’t be able to see.
Avoiding or stopping this habit is a must for good teeth health. Invest in a good bottle opener instead! It will be much less expensive than a dental repair.
Other Harmful Habits to Quit
Many common habits can develop around the misuse of teeth, often starting in childhood. It’s not uncommon for kids to use their teeth for purposes other than chewing food, and as a parent, it’s essential to address these behaviors early on. By teaching your child the appropriate use of their teeth, you can help them avoid potential dental problems in the future.
Start by emphasizing that teeth are designed specifically for chewing food. Explain to your child that they should use appropriate tools for tasks like opening packages, biting string, or holding objects. Using teeth as tools can lead to chipped or fractured teeth, which can cause pain and require dental intervention. Additionally, this behavior can scrape the enamel—the protective layer on teeth—which is crucial for maintaining oral health.
If you notice your child treating their teeth as a third hand—using them to grip or manipulate objects—it’s vital to intervene. Gently remind them of the purpose of their teeth and encourage them to use their hands or other tools instead. Reinforcing this message consistently will help instill good habits that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Another critical point to address is the risk of using the mouth to hold objects. While it may seem harmless, this behavior poses a choking hazard and can lead to oral injuries. For instance, holding items like pencils, toys, or other small objects in their mouth can result in accidental bites or even damage to the gums and soft tissues.
To guide your child away from these habits, provide alternatives. Encourage them to keep their hands free and to place items down rather than holding them in their mouth. Engage in open conversations about the risks associated with such behaviors, ensuring they understand the importance of protecting their dental health.
Turn to a Dentist for Help
While some habits, such as opening or holding objects with their teeth, can lead to dental injuries, it’s important to recognize that accidents can happen, even with the best preventive measures in place. Children are naturally active and curious, which can sometimes result in unexpected mishaps that lead to chipped or fractured teeth. If your child experiences such an injury, it is crucial to contact a dentist as quickly as possible to ensure proper care and treatment.
Chipped or fractured teeth can cause discomfort, affect your child’s ability to eat or speak, and potentially lead to further complications if left untreated. A dentist can evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as dental bonding, crowns, or other restorative procedures, to restore your child’s tooth and prevent any long-term issues.
To help minimize the risk of dental injuries, it’s essential to actively monitor your child’s habits and behaviors. As mentioned previously, encourage them to refrain from using their teeth as tools for tasks they are not designed for, as this can lead to unnecessary risks. Reinforce the importance of being mindful during playtime, especially when participating in activities that may pose a higher risk for dental injuries, such as sports or rough play.
Are you or your child in need of a dental procedure? If so, contact us today to make an appointment.
