Each and every one of your 32 teeth is unique. Enamel does not grow and can be damaged. Plaque can cause decay. If your teeth are yellow, they might be decaying. Saliva is more important than you may think. It washes away all the bad bacteria in your mouth. Did you know any of these? No? Well, here are a few more things you didn’t know about your teeth.
Toothpaste: A Legacy
While we didn’t start going to the dentist until recently, toothpaste has been around since about 500 B.C. In ancient Greece, they used a mix of coral powder and iron dust to clean their teeth. It’s a good thing we’ve come so far! Today, dentists have plenty of modern tools to help people’s teeth stay healthy.
We can’t eat well without teeth. Older people know this all too well. Even the most perfectly fitting dentures aren’t exactly like the real thing. Knowing more about your teeth and how your behavior impacts them can help keep you smiling!
They’re Like Icebergs – and Other Things You Didn’t Know About Your Teeth
What you see isn’t all there is to it- in fact, a third of your teeth hides beneath the gums. It’s important to take care of your gums. They should be firm and pink.
We have 32 teeth: 12 molars, 8 premolars, 4 canine teeth, and eight front teeth. The last are called incisors.
- If your teeth are yellow, that’s more than coffee stains piling up. Yellow is the color of decaying enamel. Pain is also a sign of this. If you have these symptoms, it’s important you get to the dentist at once to prevent further damage.
- Here’s a riddle for you: what is sticky, white, and constantly growing? The fog in your town? Well, besides that. Plaque is not our friend. If you don’t get rid of it by brushing and flossing regularly, it will lead to tooth decay. Then, you run the risk of having it develop into tartar. Your dentist can give you a good pro cleaning.
- We make 10,000 gallons of saliva over our lifetime on average. That’s a quart a day! Saliva, or spit, plays an important part in our health. It contains enzymes that facilitate digestion. Food is easier to swallow. Spit washes away food debris and contains phosphate and calcium. This can eliminate the damaging acids in plaque.
Dental Habits: Do’s and Don’ts
Do eat crunchy veggies and fruits. While ready-to-eat foods are an easy fix for you, your teeth beg to differ. Eating fresh, fiber-loaded products is an excellent choice for your teeth. We recommend children begin eating and chewing such foods as early as possible. Adults shouldn’t be afraid to get their jaws going either. Avoid soft, processed stuff and stop cutting your food up into such small bites!
Limit Acidic, Sugary Foods
Our enzymes convert sugar into acid, which can damage enamel and cause cavities. Don’t consume acidic teas, fruits, and coffee because they can wear enamel down. Be mindful if you can’t cut these foods and drinks out of your life completely.
Aurora Dental Group has been committed to staying at the forefront of research and education in state-of-the-art dentistry. Our patients avail of the most modern treatments and technology. Give us a call and make an appointment today. This is your one in a lifetime chance to obtain the highest quality prevention services and treatment – and learn many more things you didn’t know about your teeth!
