We are lucky in that there are a variety of services available to maintain your smile healthy and look and feel great. There aren't many problems that contemporary dentistry can't solve, whether they're medicinal or aesthetic. But, honestly, how frequently do you think about your teeth? In this article, we have gathered seven facts about teeth that you should know about
1. Your mouth is full of bacteria
Over 700 distinct bacterial species live in the mouth, some of which preserve teeth and gums, some of which aid digestion, and others that are completely harmless. Only a couple of these bacteria have been associated with cavity development. Streptococcus mutans is the most frequent bacterium that causes problems in the mouth. When enough food particles accumulate, the streptococcus mutans bacterium produces an acid that eats away at your enamel, leaving your tooth vulnerable to tooth decay.
2. Saliva is essential for your oral health
In a lifetime, your mouth generates almost 25,000 quarts of saliva, enough to fill two swimming pools. Saliva has a variety of functions, including aiding digestion and protecting your teeth from microorganisms in your mouth. To increase saliva production, you need to drink enough water and eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables.
3. Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body
The solid, shining top coating of your tooth is called enamel. It acts as a shield against the microorganisms that cause tooth decay, much like a coat of armor. Enamel is the toughest mineral material in your body. It's even more durable than bone. However, you still need to take care of our teeth enamel since it can be damaged by aggressive tooth brushing or exposing teeth to acids for an extended period of time. Tooth enamel is irreversibly lost after it has been eroded.
4. Cavities shouldn’t be left untreated
The fact that cavities are irreversible is perhaps the scariest feature. When a cavity forms on your tooth, it begins by decaying the enamel, followed by the creation of a hole in the tooth, which continues to expand as bacteria hides in the hole and is impossible to brush out. Once decay has set in, the damage is irreversible. In this case, you need to visit a dental office to repair the damage by removing the infection and repairing the hole in your tooth with a filling.
5. Gum disease is extremely common
You should know that 75% of the population in the United States suffers from gum irritation, bleeding, or tartar accumulation in some way. For adults over the age of 35, gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss. However, the good news is that gum disease may be avoided and managed. A healthy diet, proper oral hygiene, and regular dental exams can help prevent the severe complications of gum disease.
6. It is essential to clean the interdental space
You can easily reach the tops and sides of your teeth when brushing. However, the surfaces in between (which make up a considerable portion of your enamel) must be cleaned properly as well. This is why, to eliminate food and germs and encourage healthy gums, it's better to floss between your teeth every day.
7. Healthy teeth are not always white
Healthy teeth are not as white as they appear on TV or in movies. Our teeth, on the other hand, are naturally an off-white color. Dentine is the yellowish layer beneath the tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel may be crumbling away, revealing the yellow dentin layer, causing your teeth to seem yellow. This is a significant problem, so instead of bleaching your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist.