5 facts you did not know about your teeth

You make use of your teeth to chew, talk, and smile. You even plan meals, play sports, and grab drinks without giving any thought to your pearly whites. It may not occur to you, but beverages, activities and food can damage the health of your teeth considerably. Twenty-five percent of senior Americans lose almost all their teeth due to bad habits. Here are a few interesting "teeth facts" you may be surprised to know.

Tooth enamel is considered to be the hardest substance inside a human body, but it is fragile:

Popcorn, ice, and lip/tongue piercings can lead to chipping of the teeth, and unlike skin our teeth cannot re-grow. A metal ring pierced across your lip is especially bad because every time you talk, the ring hits your teeth. This can lead to wear and tear and tooth fractures.  

You can have missing teeth at almost any age:

Did you know that there are people who are born with missing choppers? The most common missing teeth are the wisdom teeth. The second most common are the lateral incisors, located right next to the front tooth. Interestingly, there are a lot of people who inherit missing teeth.

Large quantities of fluoride is bad for your teeth:

Fluoride is essential for healthy teeth. However, children who ingest extreme amounts of this element when they’re developing permanent teeth can suffer from a condition called fluorosis. Normally, fluorosis starts out by creating white spots that eventually turn brown. Unfortunately, the stains caused by fluorosis are “intrinsic,” and cannot be polished off by the dentist.

To make sure your children don’t use excessive toothpaste, supervise them when they are brushing. Squeeze out a small quantity (pea-size amount) so that they do not swallow too much accidentally. You can also use a fluoride free paste for your kids until they are old enough to understand.

Braces can cause cavities:

Bacteria, food and acid stuck around dental braces can damage the enamel. They start to form cavities around the brackets. Even if the degeneration does not completely turn into a cavity, it can create “demineralization.” One of the best ways to prevent it is to make sure you visit your orthodontist for regular cleanings.

Sour is as bad as sweet:

Sweets are not the only villain that damage healthy teeth. Sour candies, fruit juices can soften teeth and make them prone to enamel erosion.

Your choppers play an important role in the overall health of your body. Hence, it is important to follow good habits and keep these facts in mind the next time you plan to indulge in some candy.  It is also a good idea to visit your dentist regularly. During a dental check-up, your expert can uncover several clues about the overall health of your body. For instance, if the enamel of your tooth is worn down, it could be a sign that you may be suffering from mental stress. Receding or swollen gums may be an early sign of diabetes, while sores that don’t heal can sometimes mean oral cancer. A little caution and care can go a long way in helping you live a healthy life.