Mobile phones have become a necessity in our daily lives. Constantly glued to our screens, we often overlook the potential harm it might cause to our health. Did you know that the habit of holding your phone between your teeth could be damaging to them?.

What is Nomophobia?

More people today are suffering from Nomophobia – the fear of being without their smartphones, or losing connection with the online world.

As the condition becomes increasingly common, researchers are beginning to uncover the various ways in which it can affect our health.

One of the lesser-known effects is the impact it can have on our dental health. Not many people realize that habitually biting down on your phone while holding it between your teeth can cause severe damage over time.

When we clamp down on our phone, our teeth can be exposed to unnecessary pressure for extended periods, causing severe harm to roots, gums, and teeth.

How does clamping your phone between your teeth hurt your teeth?

The jawbone is under tremendous pressure when we clamp our teeth down, which can lead to tooth loss and gum disease. The presence of bacteria in our mouths is a known leading cause of periodontal disease.

It is important to understand that as the bacteria multiply, they form plaque and feed on sugary substances in the mouth. They then release acid, which will gradually begin to damage the tooth enamel over time.

Additionally, if you already have weakened or sensitive teeth, then clamping your phone between them may cause unbearable pain.

The same goes for teeth that have fillings or newly implanted dental work, as any impact can cause damage that will alter their look and feel.

How to prevent damage from your mobile device?

Prevention is always better than cure. If you want to avoid damaging your teeth, the first step is to avoid biting down on your phone. To help you break the habit, try using a phone grip or case with a built-in stand.

There are a wide variety of phone grips in the market designed to make your phone easier to hold without inducing pressure on your teeth.

This habit of not putting our phone between our teeth needs to be instilled into children from a young age, as this is where they usually pick up bad habits that can last a lifetime.

Children should be taught to keep their hands away from their faces and avoid putting foreign objects in their mouths.

In conclusion, it can be challenging to avoid the temptation to hold our phones between our teeth, especially when we need both hands free. However, it is essential to remember that this practice can lead to severe dental damage over time.

If you are concerned about the damage caused by mobile phones, you should book an appointment with your dentist to discuss the best way to take care of your teeth before it is too late.