Dental plaque and tartar are both a fact of life. You hear about it every time you watch a toothpaste commercial, read an article, or visit the dentist. You know that your regular brushing and flossing routine keeps it in check, but have you ever wondered what they really are? And what is the difference between the two?
Teeth look deceivingly simple from the outside, but the internal workings are more intricate than you’d imagine. Our teeth actually have four separate parts that work together, creating the strength necessary to process the food that keeps us healthy. Today we take a deep dive and answer the question – what are teeth made of?
According to US News & World Report, only about 30% of adults are flossing their teeth every day. Based on these statistics, it’s clear that an article on flossing is long overdue. We’re going over why flossing is important and how to make it a habit.
It’s the age-old question: are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones? Is one more effective at removing plaque than the other? Let’s examine the pros and cons of each and see what we find.
Older adults have more oral health challenges than younger people. By the age of 65, almost every adult will have had at least one cavity, and 2 out of every 3 seniors will have some form of gum disease. But if you practice good dental hygiene, there is no reason your teeth shouldn’t last a lifetime.
Does smoking cause tooth decay? The short answer is yes. People who smoke cigarettes aren’t usually thinking about their effects on the teeth and mouth. But there is no doubt that smoking can affect your appearance and put you at a higher risk of many oral health problems.
An abscessed tooth is nothing to play around with. It’s one of the more serious dental emergencies one can face. If you think that you may have an abscess, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists right away.
When you think of your oral health, most people go right for the teeth. After all, isn’t that what we’re after? A nice, bright, healthy smile. But when it comes to your overall oral health, your gums and teeth should really go hand in hand. Your gums are made from soft tissue that forms a seal around the teeth, protecting the bone underneath and providing a barrier against infection. If you want to keep that smile of yours in good shape, your best bet is to keep your gums nice and healthy.
Those of us in the dental field love everything to do with teeth, so it’s just natural that we have some fun teeth facts up our sleeves you may find entertaining.
Brushing and flossing are important ways to take care of your oral health, avoid tooth decay and gum disease. But if you want to go the extra mile, start paying attention to the foods you eat as well. Healthy choices at the dinner table can make a difference in keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
