1. Dental Health: Beautiful Teeth for Life

334. Safety Tips for Your Teeth

Your teeth are vulnerable to nicks, chips, stains, and strains. To protect your teeth from damage and injury, take these precautions.

1. •Don’t chew ice, pens, or pencils.
   

2. •Don’t use your teeth to open paper clips or otherwise function as tools.
   

3. •If you smoke a pipe, don’t bite down on the stem.
   

4. •If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist if you should be fitted for a bite plate to prevent tooth grinding.
   

5. •If you play contact sports like football or hockey, wear a protective mouth guard.
   

6. •Always wear a seat belt when riding in a car.
   

7. •Avoid sucking on lemons or chewing aspirin or vitamin C tablets. The acid wears away tooth enamel.