5 Lesser-Known Facts About Oral Health

The profession of dentistry may be a new phenomenon, but people have been taking care of their teeth for centuries. Toothpaste has been around as a medium to clean the teeth since 500 B.C. While the mixture of the paste was different back then, people were still conscious of taking care of their oral health.

Oral care has advanced drastically since we have different tools and procedures to ensure better oral health.

Tooth enamel is one of the hardest parts of the body

The outermost part of the teeth is known as the enamel. The purpose of the enamel is to protect the nerves and other parts of the teeth, so it isn't exposed. Like the bones, it is made up of phosphate and calcium but stronger because it has crystallites and specific proteins that form it explains an Ocala Dentist. As strong as the enamel may be, it is still prone to cracks and can breakdown when exposed to sugar and acids. This is why you need to make sure that you watch what you eat and take care of your enamel by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once.

You have over 300 different types of bacteria in your mouth

The mouth has millions of bacteria and not just one type but hundreds of different types. Not all bacteria are harmful and cause plaque. The main one that poses a threat to your teeth is Streptococcus mutans, it eats away at the sugar that is leftover in the mouth, turning it into acid which starts to tear down the enamel of the teeth.

Your saliva contributes to good oral health

A healthy mouth produces around a quart of saliva a day. The saliva produced has a few roles, it helps make the food you eat easier to swallow, it helps kick start the digestion process, and it helps wash away food particles left over after you eat. Saliva ultimately neutralizes the impact of plaque, removing acid that is produced by bacteria, so it doesn't tear away at your teeth.

Your teeth are unique to you

Though it may not be easy to tell with the human eye, no two humans have the same teeth. Your teeth are unique to you, like your fingerprints. Even when it comes to identical twins, the teeth are not identical. Which is why you must take care of your teeth.

A tooth is similar in essence to an iceberg

Like an iceberg, the majority of your tooth is hidden to the eye. In fact, 3/4 of the tooth lays under the gum. This is why you need to take care of both your teeth and gums for good oral health. Bacteria can sneak into the gum and cause tooth decay and other problems.

While it is common knowledge to take care of your teeth, most people still avoid going to the dentist. For good oral health, you need to visit your dentist at least once every six months for a checkup. They can help identify any underlying problem that you may not be aware of and provide preventative tips in such a case. It is also important to know the basics of good oral health from brushing twice a day using the right toothpaste and flossing. You need to ensure that you do everything possible at your end. Otherwise, the bacteria present in your mouth are just waiting for the opportunity to take advantage of your bad eating habits.

Sandra is a dental hygienist who enjoys sharing her expertise on oral health through her articles. She hopes to make an impact in the world, one smile at a time.