Dr. Shahira Saad, a cosmetic dentist, is warning people of three things you should never do with your teeth. The first is use charcoal toothpaste. Toothpaste made from activated charcoal has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Proponents claim it can whiten teeth, remove superficial stains, eliminate plaque, and freshen breath. However, Dr. Saad said the opposite is true. Trendy charcoal toothpaste can scrape away enamel, causing teeth to gradually start turning yellow. A 2021 study compared the whitening effects of charcoal toothpaste and toothpaste containing fluoride and found no difference. The second thing Dr. Saad cringes at is seeing people use their teeth to open a bottle or rip open a bag or packet. That's because it could cause your teeth to crack, leading to an expensive crown or a painful root canal, or worse….an extraction. Finally, chewing ice is an absolute dental no-no. Munching on ice can wear away enamel and lead to cracks in the teeth. If you're craving chewing ice, you might have something called pica — a sign of iron-deficiency anemia and should consult a physician. Following the advice given by Dr. Saad can not only save your teeth, it can protect your wallet from expensive procedures.
