The human mouth has one tongue, 32 teeth, and gums, which allows us to communicate (verbally and non-verbally) and gives us the ability to chew, swallow, and digest our food.
While it may seem simple, has been created a list of 25 facts about your mouth you probably didn’t know:
- Without saliva, we would not be able to taste anything.
- The inside of your mouth contains as many bacteria as there are people on Earth.
- Teeth start to form before you are even born but don’t come through until you are between 6 – 12 months old.
- Children have 20 teeth while adults have 32.
- Many diseases are linked to oral health including heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.
- Close your mouth while swimming because chlorine can wear down enamel.
- Plaque is a residue that is made up of excess bacteria in the mouth.
- The tongue is the only muscle in the human body that works without any support from the skeleton.
- One third of your tooth is hidden underneath your gums.
- Green tea contains antiseptic properties, which can help to keep your gums healthy.
- There are approximately 10,000 taste buds in our mouth, of which most are located on the tongue.
- No two people have the same set of teeth. A person’s teeth are as unique as their fingerprint.
- We produce about 37,854 litres of saliva during our lives – enough to fill two swimming pools.
- An average person spends 38.5 days brushing their teeth over the course of their lifetime
- Smiling helps you live longer. Every time you smile, your body produces greater amounts of antibodies, giving you an immunity boost.
- The enamel on the surfaces of your teeth is the hardest substance in your whole body.
- We have four different types of teeth in our mouth: incisors, canine, premolars and molars.
- Teeth, like your bones, are alive. They have their own blood supply and nerves. A tooth can die.
- Relative to its size, the tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body.
- If you’re right handed, you tend to chew your food on your right side. If you’re left handed, you favor chewing on your left side.
- If you don’t floss, you miss cleaning approximately 40% of the surfaces of your teeth.
- Surveys indicate that 50% of people say that someone’s smile is the first thing they notice.
- A tooth that gets knocked out will begin to die within 15 minutes.
- Humans have two sets of teeth in their lifetime, whereas sharks have 40.
- Modern toothpaste has only been available for the past 100 years.
You thought that getting your teeth cleaned regularly was just to take care of your oral health, but the truth is your dentist could be the first one to notice that something is amiss in another part of your body.
What goes on in your mouth can be very telling when it comes to the state of your overall health, as there are several dental issues that can alert you to other problems, including those listed below.
When Mouth Troubles Lead to Heart Problems
When your dentist looks at your gums and notices inflammation or loose teeth, he may ask you if there’s a history of cardiovascular disease in your family or if you have any heart problems. That’s because gum disease might increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
The inflammation within your mouth might cause inflammation to increase in other areas of your body, such as your arteries. Also, if you’re diagnosed with gum disease, the bacteria that are within your mouth might travel to your heart and lead to disease within the cardiovascular system. Your dentist can start treating your gum disease, and you can take steps at home to keep your gums as clean as possible, to reduce your risk.
A Surprising Link Between Blood Sugar and Gum Disease
There are several symptoms that your dentist can pick up on during a routine exam, such as dry mouth, loose teeth, and gums that are dry, receding, bleeding, or infected and healing slowly. Because these symptoms can be associated with diabetes—a condition that could increase your risk of gum disease—your dentist might recommend getting a blood test to check for it.
In the event that you are diagnosed with diabetes, you can work with your primary care physician to get your condition under control. At the same time, experts recommend working with your dentist to treat the gum disease, especially since infections within your gums can make your diabetes more severe and increase the risk of heart disease.
Individuals with a history of gum disease and diabetes might also need to see their dentist more often, such as every three months.
Bone Health Beyond the Mouth
Osteoporosis, commonly seen in postmenopausal women, causes your bones to become weaker. Believe it or not, your mouth can alert a dentist to thinning bones in other parts of your body, even though this condition typically won’t result in changes to your teeth.
When osteoporosis takes hold, it causes changes within the bone that gives support to your teeth. So if your dentist notices that you have loose teeth or a receding gum line, he may recommend talking to your doctor to see if osteoporosis is to blame and to receive the appropriate treatment.
It All Starts in the Gut
The inflammation that’s associated with Crohn’s disease could affect your mouth, leading to raised bumps along the gums surrounding the teeth. You may not know that you have Crohn’s disease because mouth lesions might develop before you even experience abdominal symptoms and digestive upset. And because those oral bumps don’t result in pain, you may not notice them either.
Inflammatory bowel conditions, including Crohn’s disease, can also lead to recurring canker sores that you can ask your dentist about. Catching symptoms early will help you get relief as you bring your digestive system back into balance.
Because the health of your mouth can provide clues to your overall state of wellness, finding a dentist you can trust can give you peace of mind. With the right oral hygiene routine at home and at the dentist’s office, you can rest assured that your teeth and gums will be clean and strong and that you’ll be able to tackle early symptoms of disease.
It may not be your favorite way to spend a weekend, but having a tooth pulled is sometimes necessary. When a tooth is extracted, it leaves a temporary hole in its place.
Several factors determine the length of time needed for this hole to close, including your tooth’s size and the type of extraction. It may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Recovery time depends on the type of extraction you’ve had
There are two types of tooth extraction processes. Your recovery time will largely be determined by which one you’ve had.
Simple extraction
Simple tooth extractions are done on visible teeth — the ones that have already erupted through your gums. These teeth sometimes require extraction due to:
infection
crowding
severe tooth decay
If your tooth being extracted is large or has several roots, it will take longer to heal. You should see the hole close by the end of the third week, but complete healing and elimination of the hole may take several months.
During this time, the hole will be closed, but may have an indentation you can feel with your finger or tongue.
Visible teeth may also require extraction before orthodontic work to help make room for your remaining teeth to align properly in your mouth.
A simple extraction is done with a local anesthetic to numb the area. You’ll usually remain awake and alert during this procedure.
If your tooth being extracted is small, or only has a single root, the hole it leaves behind will close relatively quickly, in around 7 days. Complete healing will take approximately 1 additional week.
Surgical extraction
This procedure is more extensive, so it takes longer for your tooth hole to close than after a simple extraction. Tissues and bone are cut underneath the gum line during surgical extractions.
In the case of surgical extraction, your tooth hole will be fully or almost fully closed by 6 weeks after surgery. It may take several more months before the indentation fills in and the healing is complete.
Surgical extraction is often required to remove:
an impacted tooth, such as wisdom teeth that don’t erupt into your gums
impacted canine teeth (your sharper teeth near the front of your mouth) above your gum line, especially if you need braces or your child does
remnants of a visible tooth that has cracked or broken off
fragments of a tooth that breaks while being removed during a simple extraction
Surgical extraction typically requires the use of a local anesthetic plus general anesthesia.
Healing stages of a tooth hole
Healing takes time, but begins as soon as your procedure is complete.
24 to 48 hours after surgery
During the first 24 to 48 hours after extraction, a blood clot will start to form over the hole.
This blood clot helps keep the hole free of food particles and bacteria. It is a necessary first step towards healing and allows gum tissue and bone to start forming.
It won’t be visible to your eye, but new gum tissue has already started to form in the hole.
Bleeding from the hole will slow down and eventually stop during this period. You will continue to have swelling and tenderness on the side of your mouth where your tooth was pulled.
7 to 21 days after surgery
Your tooth hole will start to visibly close as gum tissues repair and regenerate. If you had stitches, they will be removed or start to dissolve.
Large tooth extractions, molars, and any impacted teeth will take the longest amount of time to heal.
1 to 4 months after surgery
Based on how extensive the extraction is, your tooth hole should be completely healed with no indentation.
The hole in your jawbone (your tooth’s socket) should also be completely filled in with new bone.
Do
Keep a gauze pad over the area for at least 30 minutes after surgery. This will help the blood clot start to form in your tooth hole.
Rest and give your body time to recuperate.
Talk with your dentist or surgeon about the medications you take. Certain types, such as blood thinners, may delay healing of your tooth hole.
Drink lots of room temperature water.
Keep the area clean by rinsing with salt water.
Only eat soft foods for the first few days.
Use an ice pack on the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
Don´t
Don’t rinse the area for the first 24 hours.
Don’t drink anything hot or extremely cold for the first few days.
Don’t do any strenuous activities that might accelerate blood flow during the first few days.
Avoid any activity that causes suction in your mouth during the first few days so that you don’t dislodge the blood clot that starts to form. This includes smoking cigarettes, drinking through a straw, and spitting.
Don’t drink alcohol or use alcohol-based mouthwash for 24 hours after surgery.
Avoid eating anything that might become lodged in the hole, such as strawberry seeds or nut particles.
The tongue is one of the most important parts of a person's mouth, yet it is also one of the most neglected. There are many who even forget to clean their tongues when cleaning their mouth.
The tongue serves a critical purpose as it helps you to taste things. Also, talking would be impossible without it. Here are seven interesting facts about the human tongue:
7 interesting facts about the tongue
1. It is made up of eight muscles
The tongue is not the strongest muscle in the body, but it is one of the most flexible. That is why it is possible to use it all day long without it ever becoming fatigued. The strongest muscles in the body are the quads and glutes which can create the largest amounts of force.
2. Tongues are four inches long on average
The average person's tongue is about four inches long from the inside to the tip. The longest tongue ever measured is about twice that size.
3. The color of a person's tongue tells a story
The color of a person's tongue can be an indication of a serious health issue. It is pink when healthy, but allergies and infections can change its color to red. A blistered tongue might be a sign of a negative reaction to certain allergy and blood pressure medications, while fungal infections can lead to white patches all over the tongue.
The texture of the tongue also tells a story. When it is too smooth, that can be a sign that the person is deficient of essential minerals like folic acid, iron and vitamin B12.
4. Those bumps on your tongue are not taste buds
The small pink and white bumps on a person's tongue are not taste buds like many people seem to think. These are called papillae and they house the taste buds, which cannot be seen by the naked eye.
5. There are taste buds all over the tongue
All parts of a person's tongue are capable of tasting a wide range of things. There are charts that divide the tongue into different areas that only taste sweet, sour, salty and bitter tastes, but that is only done for the sake of simplicity. In reality, every part of the tongue is capable of detecting different tastes.
6. There are thousands of taste buds on a person's tongue
A tongue contains anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 taste buds. Some die off every couple of weeks and they are replaced with new ones.
7. Being able to roll the tongue is not always genetic
While genetics often determine who can roll their tongues, some people are able to learn how to do it with practice. The evidence proves that environmental factors can also determine if a person is able to roll their tongue.
You only have one tongue, so it is important that you take good care of it. Failing to do so can inhibit your ability to speak or taste things, and it can lead to bad breath.
Good oral health is a must to live a healthy lifestyle but we often do not prioritize it, unlike our other body parts. This is absolute injustice with oral health. Let us ask you a few questions. How often do you replace your toothbrush or what was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? It may be too long ago, right! Well, another question for you is- How often do you brush your teeth in a day? Of course, the answer is “one time in the morning” by the majority, right! One more question for you- How often do you clean your tongue? Well, you don’t need to answer because we know the facts.
According to the databases of dentists in McKinney TX, a huge number of dental patients, more than half of the dental patients do not clean their tongue nicely. Some of them do not even clean it once a day. So, people are very careless about brushing teeth, giving time to properly cleaning the tongue, and overall oral health. This causes an occurrence of a number of different oral health problems such as gum bleeding, bad breath, yellow & stained teeth, cavity, infections, sensitivity, etc. Therefore, it is very important to take care of dental hygiene.
In this detailed note, we have compiled top must-do brushing tips for maintaining dental hygiene and overall good oral health. By following the below-mentioned tips, you can live a healthy life and enhance the charming beauty of your smile.
TIPS FOR BRUSHING TEETH
The teeth brushing tips we shared in this piece of dental information may seem very common things but when it comes to applying it into daily routine, very few people do it properly. Therefore, as a professional dental assistant, it is our duty to regularly aware you about your oral health, and we are doing the same through this piece of dental information. Make sure you not only read these tips but apply these to your daily routine. This will benefit you, not us.
BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
Every dental specialist and dentists in Mckinney TX suggest this to every dental patient but very few people follow this point. The reason could be that people do not want to be bothered brushing again & again a day. According to the dental patients we treat, this is the biggest reason they avoid brushing twice a day. Well, we don’t think brushing is a boring or bothering activity. It is a must-do activity and you must not be bothered brushing your teeth twice a day. It hardly takes 3-5 minutes to nicely brush and clean your teeth. So, you should brush your teeth twice a day.
Furthermore, if you eat too much oily, spicy, and strong foods like non-veg and fast foods then you should brush your teeth after eating these foods. It is a must-do thing more than anything because some grain and particles of food are stuck between your teeth and stay too long. This causes tooth decay, infections, bad breath, teeth worms, and yellow & stained teeth. So, make sure you always brush your teeth after eating too much spicy and oily foods otherwise you can be in huge trouble in the near future.
TONGUE CLEANING
Brushing your teeth does not mean brushing your teeth only. It is about cleaning your teeth, cleaning your tongue, and removing all the food particles from teeth and gums. That means brushing your teeth means caring overall oral health. Tongue hygiene does not get as much attention as teeth cleaning. People often forget to clean their tongues when brushing while tongue cleaning is equally important. You can either use a tongue cleaning tool or your brush to properly clean your tongue. Dentists in McKinney TX highly recommend you maintain your tongue hygiene all day otherwise you will have to face bad and smelly breathing. It will not only build you up to disturb other people around you. So, whenever you brush your teeth, don’t forget to clean your tongue nicely.
USE MOUTHWASH OR MOUTH FRESHENER
You clean your teeth twice a day in the morning and evening but you eat all day. You eat so many different spicy & oily dishes, fast foods, snacks, drinks, and sugar-rich items and some particles of these foods stay in your mouth all day. Sometimes, this causes food-flavor breath or smelly breath. This thing can lead you down among a few people when talking. Therefore, using mouthwash or mouth freshener repeatedly a day is a good option to maintain your oral hygiene and keep your surroundings full of fragrance. There are so many different brands’ mouthwashes and mouth fresheners are available in the market. Don’t choose any of them without consulting with dentists in McKinney TX. Make sure you consult first with a dentist and then buy a mouthwash and mouth freshener for maintaining your oral health.
REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH EVERY 3 MONTHS
At the starting of this piece of information, you were asked- how often do you replace your toothbrush? What is your answer? You probably replace your toothbrush every 6 months. Well! According to modern dentistry, a person should replace his/her toothbrush every three months because the toothbrush loses its effectiveness after three months. Also, they get rough and damaged that can cause gum injuries, gum bleeding, and lips injuries. Apart from this, fungus and bacteria can occur on your brushes after a certain period, and obviously, that is not good for your oral health. So, make sure you do not use a single brush for more than three months as it will be harmful to your oral health.
We all experience sore or inflamed gums from time to time. But what does it mean when you find a hole in your gums?
A “hole” in the gums can appear as an area that’s become pocketed, cratered, or indented compared with the surrounding tissue. There are several things that can cause this to occur. The most common is gum disease.
Keep reading as we dive deeper into the potential causes, how they’re treated, and the steps you can take to prevent them.
Let’s take a look at the things that can cause holes to form in the gums. For each cause, we’ll break down what it is, what the hole may look like, and any other symptoms to look out for.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque is mainly made up of bacteria that eat the sugars from our food to get the energy they need.
As the bacteria eat these sugars, they also produce waste products, which can cause your gums to become irritated and inflamed, and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis.
When this inflammation spreads further into gum tissue and affects the bone, it can become periodontitis.
The American Dental Association estimates that periodontitis affects 47.2 percent of adults over the age of 30 in the United States.
Periodontitis can cause loss of tissue and bone. As this happens, the gums can pull away from the teeth, creating pockets or holes in the area between your teeth and gums.
Other symptoms of periodontitis include:
red, swollen gums
gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
sore gums
bad breath
receding gums
sensitive teeth
loose teeth
discomfort or pain when chewing
Infections
Sometimes infections can cause holes to appear in the gums. This can happen due to viruses or bacteria.
One example of this is a condition called herpetic gingivostomatitis, which is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). This condition most commonly occurs in children who’ve initially contracted HSV, but it can also sometimes happen in adults.
Herpetic gingivostomatitis causes lesions to appear in the mouth, including on the gums. These lesions can appear concave or cratered and may form ulcers.
The condition can include other symptoms like:
red, swollen gums
fever
loss of appetite
irritability
malaise
swollen lymph nodes
It typically resolves on its own.
Other infections can cause holes to appear in the gums, although these are rarer. An example is actinomycosis, a bacterial infection that can affect the mouth and jaw. In rare cases, this infection has been documentedTrusted Source to lead to holes in the gums.
Open tooth socket
Another cause of a hole in the gums is an open tooth socket, which is present following a tooth extraction. This “hole” heals over time, filling with bone about 8 weeks after the extraction.
Pain and swelling are common following an extraction. It’s important not to disturb the area too much as it heals. Doing so can lead to a dry socket, a painful condition in which the nerve and bone of the healing tooth socket are exposed.
Necrotizing periodontal disease
Necrotizing periodontal disease is a rare form of gum disease. It typically comes on suddenly and is associated with tissue death (necrosis). It’s mostly observed in people with a weakened immune system.
In necrotizing periodontal disease, gum tissue can appear cratered or punched out. Painful ulcers may also appear. Necrotic areas can also be covered by something called a pseudomembrane, which is white or yellow in color.
Additional symptoms include:
severe pain
spontaneous bleeding
bad breath
receding gums
swollen lymph nodes
fever
Where can holes in your gums appear?
The location of a hole in your gums depends on what’s causing it. For example, an open tooth socket is found at the site of an extraction.
In periodontitis and necrotizing periodontal disease, the holes or pockets typically occur in the general area where the gums meet the teeth.
Meanwhile, infections may cause holes to appear at any location on the gums.
What does a hole in your gums look like?
The following pictures provide an idea of what a hole in the gums may look like.
How a hole in your gums is treated
How exactly a hole in the gums is treated depends on the cause. Let’s explore some potential treatment options.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is used to remove plaque that’s located both above and below your gumline. It’s used to treat periodontitis. You may know this treatment as “deep cleaning.”
This treatment is a two-step process:
Scaling. During scaling, a dentist removes plaque that’s found on the teeth and in the pockets around the gumline.
Root planing. Root planing involves scaling the roots of the teeth, which are located deeper under the gumline. Planing helps smooth out the roots, which can help them reattach to your gums.
Scaling and root planing is an outpatient dental procedure. Often, a local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort. Depending on the severity of periodontitis, more than one appointment may be needed.
Periodontal surgery
If periodontal disease has become severe, periodontal surgery may be recommended. There are several types of periodontal surgery. Some examples include:
Flap surgery. In flap surgery, a small incision is made in the gums. The gum tissue is then lifted, so plaque can be removed from the deeper surfaces of the tooth. This can help your gums fit more snugly against your teeth.
Regenerative procedures. The gum tissue is folded back and plaque is removed. A piece of material, which can be made from proteins or bone, is placed to help regenerate lost tissue and bone.
Gum grafting. Gum grafting helps treat receded gums. It involves taking gum tissue from another area of your mouth and using it to cover the exposed area of the tooth.
Antibiotics
In cases of severe periodontal disease or a bacterial infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. These are medications that kill bacteria or slow their growth.
Preventing or slowing gum disease
There are many ways you can help prevent conditions that can lead to holes in your gums.
Brush and floss daily
Brushing and flossing your teeth each day helps reduce plaque buildup. It’s one of the best ways to prevent gum disease.
Follow the tips below:
Brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste for about 2 minutes twice each day.
Aim to use gentle circular motions when brushing. Avoid hard, back-and-forth motions.
Angle the bristles of the brush toward your gumline, so they can clean the area between the gums and the teeth.
Make sure to cover all sides of your teeth and to also brush your tongue.
Floss daily with dental floss to help clean the space between your teeth. Options include pre-threaded flossers or water flossers (Waterpiks).
Limit sugary foods
Sugary foods help feed the bacteria in your mouth, contributing to the development of plaque. Because of this, aim to limit your consumption of sugary foods like candies, cakes, and carbonated beverages.
See a dentist regularly
Plaque can accumulate on your teeth, despite regular brushing and flossing. Because of this, see a dentist for routine teeth cleanings. For most people, this means going to the dentist every 6 months.
It’s also important to see a dentist if you notice any concerning symptoms related to your teeth or gums. A dentist can help figure out what may be causing them and recommend a treatment.
If you don’t have insurance, there may be low-cost dentist options available to you.
If you smoke, quit
Smoking is a big risk factor for gum disease and many other health conditions. If you smoke, try to take steps to quit.
This can be difficult, and it may take several quit attempts. Consider reaching out to your doctor or another healthcare professional to develop a cessation plan. Having support can make all the difference.
Takeaway
A hole in the gums can appear as an area that’s pocketed, cratered, or concave. Advanced gum disease is a common cause, although some types of infections may cause holes as well.
The treatment for a hole in your gums depends on the cause. Scaling and root planing may be used for periodontal disease. Surgery may be recommended in more serious situations. Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections.
Tooth decay most commonly occurs in back teeth, but front teeth can also develop cavities.
What causes cavities?
Every day, a clear, sticky, bacterial film called plaque coats your teeth. You may have felt plaque if you've ever run your tongue over your teeth and noticed that they felt rough. Cavities occur when the sugars in the foods you eat combine with the bacteria in plaque to create acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Cavities are more common in molars because they contain pits and grooves that can trap plaque. Although your front teeth are smoother, they can still develop cavities when they're exposed to acids.
How can I prevent cavities in my front teeth?
There are several things you can do to prevent cavities, including:
Brushing and Flossing Daily: Daily brushing and flossing removes plaque, reducing your risk of tooth decay. Since decay can also develop between teeth, flossing is an important part of your oral hygiene routine.
Limiting Acidic Foods: Natural acids aren't the only acids you need to worry about. Some foods and beverages, such as lemons, limes, oranges, soda, fruit juices and sports drinks, also contain acids that can damage your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Avoiding or limiting these foods and beverages can help you prevent cavities in your front teeth. If you do enjoy the occasional cola or sports drink, drink the entire glass immediately, rather than slowly slipping it over an hour or more. Finishing the drink quickly will decrease the amount of time that your teeth are exposed to acids.
See Your Des Plaines Dentist Every Six Months: Regular dental visits are an excellent way to protect your teeth. During those visits, plaque and tartar will be removed from your teeth. Plaque turns into tartar, a hard deposit, if it isn't removed promptly. When tartar forms at the gum line, it can cause gum disease, a painful condition that can lead to tooth loss in severe cases. During your visits, your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay and other oral health issues. Treating cavities when they're small can help keep your teeth healthy and reduce the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
Do your teeth feel smooth to the touch when you run your tongue over them? Or, do they have a rough surface? Those with rough teeth should get their teeth checked by a dentist as it is a sure sign that your teeth need some attention. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the common causes of tooth erosion and also some of the solutions that can help you get the smile you’ve always dreamt of.
Tartar and plaque
Plaque and tartar are the most common causes for your teeth feeling rough to the touch. While plaque can normally be dealt with by brushing alone, tartar will need the help of a dentist to get rid of as it is a hardened build-up of plaque. Tartar can lead to gum disease as well as tooth decay. A dental hygienist will normally be able to clear away tartar builds up with a simple scale and polish.
Eroded enamel
Enamel is the protective surface of the tooth and over time this can erode away and leave holes, pits and other damage in the surface of the tooth. This can cause surface staining but also bigger problems such as sensitivity for hot and cold products as well as toothache. If left untreated then eroded enamel will lead to you needing a filling or root canal treatment. Luckily there are a couple of alternative preventative measures that can help stop further damage to the enamel and protect your teeth prior to needing a filling or root canal.
Composite bonding
This is the first method and often the best fit for those with very minor damage to the enamel on their teeth. Using a specially formulated composite your dentist will bond this to the surface of your teeth to help replace and worn away enamel. One of the advantages of composite bonding is that it requires zero surgery, but as the composite used is porous it can deteriorate over time and may need replacing.
Porcelain veneers
The second option and one of the most effective is to replace the damaged enamel with a porcelain veneer. These offer a long lasting and strong alternative to composite bonding and will help to give you beautiful looking teeth. As porcelain veneers need to be bonded to the tooth the process requires a fine layer of your tooth’s enamel to be removed in order to take an impression. Veneers are then produced in the laboratory and then fitted by your dentist.
Veneers can take up to 2 weeks to produce during which time you will be provided with temporary veneers to protect your teeth. So if you’ve noticed that your teeth are rough or they have started to become sensitive, then it’s time to book an appointment with your dentist to help prevent enamel damage before it’s too late.
Though adult teeth are designed to last a lifetime, 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. What’s more, some 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. Add in the fact that 92% of adults and 42% of kids ages 2-11 have at least one cavity, and it’s clear preventive care is essential to preserving your oral health.
At Smile Design Manhattan, our dental professionals are dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of 9 everyday bad habits that you may not realize may be ruining your teeth.
1. Slacking off on proper cleaning
This seems obvious, of course. But it bears repeating. Proper oral hygiene means you need to:
Brush twice a day
Rinse after meals
Floss once a day
We know it can be tempting to brush off flossing. But don’t. Flossing dislodges food that gets stuck in between your teeth, where it settles in and forms plaque, enabling bacteria buildup and slowly erode your teeth.
As an alternative to flossing, as an addition to, consider using a water flosser systems that shoots powerful jets of water in between your teeth to remove debris.
2. Brushing too vigorously
Easy does it when it comes to brushing. Brushing too hard can damage your teeth and gums. Instead, brush your teeth gently, in circular motions on the surface, and use only soft-bristled toothbrushes to preserve your protective tooth enamel.
3. Nail-biting
Life, especially these days, can be stressful. Still, for your nails – and your teeth – avoid channeling that stress into biting your nails. Your fingernails are hard, and you can chip your teeth when chewing them.
4. Grinding and jaw clenching
Clenching or grinding your teeth, also associated with stress, can wreak havoc on their teeth and jaws. Night grinding, in particular, can wear down your teeth. If you grind or clench, book an appointment so we can make you with a nightguard.
5. Chewing ice
Even more so than chewing on your fingernails, chewing on ice cubes can cause teeth to chip and even break.
6. Not wearing a mouth guard at game time
If your sport of choice involves the possibility of getting hit in the face, be sure to wear your sports guard for protection. Make an appointment, and we will outfit you with custom sports.
7. Eating hard or gummy candy
Hard candy is doubly bad news: First off, as you slowly suck away at these sweets, the sugars linger in your mouth, which encourages tooth decay. Secondly, hard candy runs the risk of chipping or breaking your teeth. Soft, gummy candy is an equal enemy. Gummy bears and the like are packed full of sugar that sticks to your teeth. If you do indulge, be sure to brush your teeth and floss immediately afterward.
8. Smoking
Not good comes from smoking. And that’s certainly true when it comes to your oral health. This habit causes your teeth to yellow and is a leading cause of oral cancer.
9. Not visiting the dentist every six months
Bi-annual dental checkups and professional cleanings are a crucial part of your preventive care. Your dentist or hygienist can uncover hidden problems from tiny cracks or cavities in your teeth to the early signs of gum disease at these visits.
Take a look at yourself in the mirror and smile. Sure enough, you’ll immediately notice your pearly whites, but what about the gums protecting them? Do they appear firm and pink?
While most people focus on tooth care, the health of your gums is equally vital as they surround and support your teeth, along with the bones of your jaws. Your gums serve as barriers against oral infection, and you can keep them healthy by following the tips below.
#1 Observe Proper Oral Hygiene
Brushing helps remove food and keep plaque—a sticky, colorless or pale yellow film containing bacteria—from forming in your mouth. Plaque can harden under your gum line and turn into tartar. Tartar buildup may lead to inflammation that causes gum disease. Untreated gum disease may lead to tooth loss.
To keep your gums healthy, brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Keeping your teeth clean can help prevent gum disease and cavities. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You may also use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, which provides superior plaque removal compared to a manual toothbrush. It also works well for people with hand arthritis or children who like the idea of a “machine” brushing their teeth.
Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle and slide the bristle towards the area where the teeth and gums meet. Gently brush with circular back-and-forth motions. After brushing your teeth, don’t forget to floss to reach the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line. Be gentle while flossing to avoid hurting your gums.
#2 Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating healthy foods boosts your immune system and enables it to fight against infection. Include food rich in antioxidant properties in your meals. Examples of these are vitamin E sources, such as vegetable oils, nuts, and leafy vegetables, and vitamin C sources, such as citrus fruits, broccoli, and potatoes.
Watch your sugar intake, especially if you have diabetes because you have a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Diabetes reduces your ability to resist bacteria and slows down healing. In turn, advanced gum disease or periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, making it harder to control your diabetes.
#3 Don’t Smoke
Smoking weakens your immune system. Tobacco, whether taken in through smoking or chewing, puts you at a higher risk for gum disease. Chemicals in tobacco products also affect saliva flow in the mouth, making it easier for bacteria to stick to your gums.
Compared to a non-smoker, smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease. Treatments for the condition may also not work well for people who smoke.
#4 Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Schedule check-ups and cleanings every six months. Your dentist can help you prevent gum disease development and detect any oral health problems earlier on.
You should also consult with your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms:
