At South Bay Smiles, Westchester cosmetic dentist Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI encourages patients to practice proper dental care. Our teeth are what other people immediately notice about us, and a bad smile could create a bad first impression! The best way to keep your smile bright and white is by knowing how to properly take care of your teeth. Everybody claims to know the benefits of good brushing and flossing, but a lot of people overlook the cool, interesting, or downright weird aspects of our teeth.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with South Bay dentist Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI, please contact South Bay Smiles at (310) 670-0659 today!
10 Interesting Dental Facts
1. Enamel, the hard substance which makes up a tooth, is the hardest part of the human body! Nevertheless, dentists recommend that patients refrain from chewing ice or eating popcorn. Even though our teeth are hard, they can still be chipped by popcorn kernels and brittle ice. Ouch!
2. Do you place a cap on your toothbrush after brushing? You shouldn’t! Placing a cap on a wet toothbrush increases moisture on the bristles, creating an environment ideal for bacterial reproduction!
3. Did you know that some adults never lose their baby teeth? Normally, a baby tooth is pushed out of the gums by an underlying adult tooth, but for people who don’t have a permanent tooth, the baby tooth will continue to remain in the mouth.
4. Studies have shown that people who are right-handed tend to chew with the right sides of their mouths, while people who are left-handed chew on their left side.
5. The average American spends less than 50 seconds a day brushing his or her teeth. Dentists like Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI recommend that people spend at least two or three minutes cleaning and maintaining their teeth. Proper brushing and flossing can save you from cavities, root canals, and other dental issues!
6. The leading cause of tooth loss for individuals over the age of 35 is periodontal gum disease. Luckily, gum disease can be prevented through a daily regimen of flossing and brushing.
7. Most adults have 32 teeth consisting of four different types: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Incisors are the four front teeth on the top (and bottom) jaw, while canine teeth are the sharp, pointed teeth located on either side of your incisors. There are eight premolars (four on each jaw), and finally, eight molars.
8. Before modern toothpaste was invented, people used a variety of different substances as teeth-cleaning products, including ashes, lemon juice, charcoal, and even ground-up chalk!
9. Roughly 78 percent of Americans have had at least one cavity before the age of seventeen. In children, cavities are commonly caused by sugary foods and drinks. But did you know that even babies can get cavities? Giving a baby a bottle of sweetened liquid (such as warm milk) overnight increases their chance of developing tooth decay. If a baby is left with a bottle for an extended period of time, the sugar in milk or formula can stick to their teeth, accelerating the rate of decay.
10. 75% of Americans suffer from periodontal gum disease. Brushing and flossing can help prevent the disease, but do you know what the best preventative measure for avoiding tooth decay and gum disease is? Seeing a dentist for regularly scheduled check-ups!
Schedule an Appointment with Marina del Rey Cosmetic Dentist Today!
At South Bay Smiles, South Bay dentist Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI has spent years helping patients avoid cavities and other dental issues. If you would like to schedule a consultation with the best cosmetic dentist in Marina del Rey, contact South Bay Smiles by calling (310) 670-0659 today!