3 Facts You May Not Know About Your Teeth That Might Surprise You

You stay on top of your oral health. You brush, floss, and rinse regularly, and you visit your dentist every six months for dental checkups and cleanings. You limit the amount of sugar you eat, and you do your best to avoid bad habits like eating ice and using your teeth to open packages and containers. While all of these are excellent ways to keep your smile looking and feeling its best, there are likely several things you don’t know about your smile that you should. If you’re looking to be a bit more informed about your oral health, here are 3 facts you may not know about your teeth that might surprise you.

Can Enamel Grow Back?

Although your tooth enamel is considered to be the hardest part of your body, it is not indestructible. Damage and decay can occur, resulting in a breakdown of this outermost layer. Because it is made of calcium and phosphate, it is very strong, but it can suffer if not properly protected. Too much sugar and starch, and a lack of mouth protection when playing sports or grinding your teeth will eventually cause the enamel to wear down, resulting in the need for restorative care. This is why it’s imperative that you take proper care of your pearly whites.

Are There Good and Bad Bacteria Inside the Mouth?

Yes, both good and bad bacteria exist inside the oral cavity. In fact, it is believed that there are 200-300 different species but millions of bacteria come from plaque. This puts the mouth at risk for tooth decay and cavities but can be reduced by staying hydrated and keeping salivary glands in production. Because your saliva is capable of neutralizing harmful acids, it reduces the potential risk for cavity formation. Good oral hygiene at home and regular cleanings are also highly effective in reducing the number of bad bacteria inside the mouth.

Are the Teeth and Body Connected?

Yes, what happens inside your mouth can often be an indicator of what is happening inside your body. Many oral health problems can be tied to various health-related conditions (i.e., gum disease and diabetes, gum disease and dementia). This is why many dentists will check your blood pressure upon arrival and go over your health history to determine if any additional factors must be considered when preparing to plan for treatment. It’s always good to be honest about your overall health, as this can ensure your smile remains in optimal shape.

While these may only be a few of the many unique facts associated with your teeth, you will find that there is much to be learned about your pearly whites and what you can do to maintain a healthy, beautiful, and complete smile for years to come.

About the Practice
At McDougal and Richards Dentistry, we want you to enjoy healthy teeth. This is why we offer preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dental services. Designed to improve the health of your smile, our treatments can help to boost confidence levels, enhance appearances, and put patients on a track to better oral health. Contact us at (972) 231-5376 to learn how we can help you.