5 Surprising Dental Facts

Your teeth. You use them every day. They are always there, but these little tools in our body are actually quite exceptional! Consider the 5 dental facts below.

1. Chewing gum may prevent cavities. Next time you see the ADA seal of approval on a pack of chewing gum, go ahead and buy it! Unlike sugared chewing gum, sugar-free chewing gum doesn’t add to the risk of tooth decay. There’s evidence it prevents cavities. By chewing this type of gum after a meal, you’ll be activating the flow of saliva in your mouth. The saliva helps to rinse away decay-causing acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria and the acids they produce are the most active right after you eat.
2. Tooth enamel is really tough. The outer layer of your teeth is called “enamel.” The inner layer is dentin, and the inner chamber and pulp is contained beneath the dentin. The enamel protecting all of this structure is the hardest substance in your body! It is 96 percent mineral, according to the ADA. This is the highest concentration of mineral in any tissues in your body, including bone.
3. Your enamel can’t re-grow. Although enamel is very durable, once it is damaged, it must be replaced with a dental restoration, such as a dental crown or tooth filling. In ages past, tooth damage or a lost tooth meant a flawed smile for good. Now, modern dental restorations provide a means of protecting vulnerable teeth and replacing missing teeth effectively.
4. Biting power is strong. It’s possible for your teeth to bite down with 200 pounds of pressure, according to the ADA. That’s a lot of force! Although it’s nowhere near the bite a saltwater crocodile is capable of: up to 3,700 pounds per square inch.
5. Hundreds of bacteria pose the risk of cavities. It’s true that our bodies harbor bacteria that are both good and bad for us. There are more than 300 kinds of mouth bacteria that can cause teeth decay. But with good oral hygiene, you can prevent cavities. In your routine cleanings, our dental hygienists will remove the bacteria-containing plaque that you cannot remove with your brush and floss.

And these are just several of the facts. There are many more! Strong, healthy teeth help us eat and they are an important part of the digestive system – after all, chewing food into manageable pieces is the first step in getting the nutrition you need. Beyond these functions, teeth are an important part of your confidence and self-esteem, because they make up your smile. So keeping teeth healthy for the long run is essential!

Individualized Dental Health Care

At The Dentists, we are personally committed to helping you achieve your best possible oral health. During your routine dental checkups, we clean your teeth and look for signs of any potential problems, including cavities. We have four different locations in Omaha. Please call one of our offices today to schedule your next appointment.

• Hillsborough: 402-307-6227
• Ralston: 402-307-6215
• Village Point: 402-307-6223
• Dundee: 402-307-6244