5 Things You didn't Know About Your Teeth

McClellan Orthodontics

We use our teeth every single day, from biting, to eating, to speaking. Sometimes we might take our teeth for granted. We often don't realize how strong and vital they are to our health, appearance, and overall impact teeth have on our bodies. 

 

Here are 5 surprising facts you may not know about your teeth.

1. Your teeth are like your fingerprint…they are uniquely yours. Even identical twins don’t have identical teeth. 
   
2. About a third of each tooth is underneath your gums. This is why keeping your gums healthy is as important as making sure your teeth are well cared for. Your gums should always be pink in color, and firm. 
3. Your enamel is the hardest part of your body. The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. Like a hard shell, its primary purpose is to protect the rest of the tooth. Even though it’s there to protect your teeth, enamel can still chip or crack, and it isn’t safe from decay. Sugars and acids, like those found in soft drinks, interact with bacteria in your mouth and attack your enamel, which marks the start of tooth decay. Enamel is partly responsible for your teeth’s white appearance, and when it decays, your teeth may start to appear yellow. 
4. Diet soda and sports drinks can be just as tough on teeth as regular soda. Both contain acid. Acid attacks the enamel surface of your teeth and can lead to cavities. A cavity is one of the few things the body cannot heal. It just gets larger with time, unless a dentist removes the decay and places a filling. 
5. Plaque contains millions of bacteria. It is white and sticky and is constantly growing. If you don’t remove it regularly by brushing and flossing, it can cause tooth decay. Without removal, plaque hardens and develops into tartar. So, brush and floss at least twice daily and see your dentist for regular cleanings.

Knowing a little more about your teeth and how your behaviors affect your dental health can keep you smiling long into the future.

If you have any questions on how to better care for your teeth, please contact our Kenilworth Orthodontic office today.

Brush Your Teeth: 2 Minutes 2 Times a Day

McClellan Orthodontics

Seeking orthodontic treatment is a great way to make sure your oral health is in good shape. However, there are other factors that affect the status of healthy teeth. Brushing, flossing and eating habits are just as important.

When treating your teeth Dr. McClellan and his staff want to be sure they are working with healthy teeth...and developing healthy habits start at a young age.

Did you know that the baby teeth that appear in the first 3 years of a child's life have been there since birth, in the baby’s jawbones? Those baby teeth are key for chewing, speaking and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are important and you need to take good care of them.

In an effort to help Keep Kids' Mouth's Healthy, The Ad Council has started the 2min2x Children's Oral Health Campaign. For healthier teeth, good breath and fewer cavities kids need to remember to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Adopting these healthy brushing habits can help save children from a lifetime of tooth pain.

Helpful Brushing Tips  

• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste.  
• Place the toothbrush at an angle against the gums.  
• Make sure to move the toothbrush back and forth, gently, in short strokes.  
• Brush the tongue to remove germs and freshen breath. 

...For more tips please visit 2min2x.org.

At McClellan Orthodontics we care about the overall oral health of all of our patients. If you have any questions about your oral health, please contact our office today.