I've gotta chime in and say... I hate rubber tipped tongs!! If you're going to use them, make sure you get a quality pair and check to make sure the rubber is glued on properly. It was very upsetting to see my BP get her tooth stuck in the rubber, thus pulling the rubber piece off the tongs. I had to help her get her tooth free from the rubber, and then inspected her mouth. Her mouth was fine, but she was definitely NOT happy.