There is certainly nothing funny about dental decay or gum disease; however, there are some very interesting facts that have evolved over the years that involve your teeth and oral health. Your family dentist can probably regale you with stories about teeth; impress him or her with your own knowledge.
Did you know …
The protective enamel covering on your teeth is the hardest surface in your body? It needs to be as we put our teeth through an awful lot during a lifetime of chewing, speaking, brushing, grinding, clenching – you get the picture.
Your family dentist continually reminds you about the importance of flossing daily; patients that floss their teeth every day can actually increase their life span (some say up to six years)!
The toothbrush you use today has certainly evolved over the years; modern toothbrushes were introduced in the late 1930’s – before then the tools used to clean teeth were crude; many people did not brush as frequently as we do today.
Your teeth are unique to you; that is why they can be used as a tool for identification. And like snowflakes, no two are the same.
Your teeth begin to form in the womb – if you had a crystal ball, you could tell how your teeth were going to turn out even at that stage of life as the blueprint for your teeth forms before you’re even born.
One third of your teeth are unseen as they lie beneath gum tissue. So when you brush, you can’t reach a third of your teeth above the gum line; flossing is required to remove what your toothbrush missed.
Dental decay can be contagious. The bacteria that can result in a cavity can be passed between individuals – that is why we should never share a toothbrush.
On a more serious note …
We rely on our teeth for so much, their care should be a priority. And it’s more than just brushing and flossing. The foods we eat; the beverages we drink; lifestyle choices … so many of these factors can impact oral health as we move through life.
If you want your teeth to remain healthy and looking their best, follow the advice of your family dentist … brush twice every day with a fluoridated toothpaste; floss daily; and see your dental provider every six months (or as recommended) for a thorough cleaning and exam.
If it’s time to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning, contact the office of Dr. Buchanan today.
