How well do you know your teeth? Statistics show that Americans spend as much as $100 billion on hair care products per year compared to only $2 billion on dental care products. Since the average person is likely to think less of their teeth than their hair, it is time to “brush up” on your dental knowledge. Understanding more about your oral health can boost your smile appearance as well as protect your overall health and quality of life.

Here are 7 dental facts that may surprise you:

#1 Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Nearly 75% of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. If you aren’t diligent about removing bacteria from your mouth, gum disease has a welcome invitation. What may start as red, puffy or bleeding gums (gingivitis) can quickly progress into a serious gum infection that threatens your smile and overall health. Routine dental cleanings are an excellent way to prevent serious setbacks from gum disease.

#2 Your oral health affects your overall health. Understanding the mouth-body connection is critical. Oral health conditions such as gum disease can compromise your entire body. In fact, stroke, heart disease and premature births have been closely linked to untreated gum disease.

#3 Your spit plays an important role. Saliva is known to be your mouth’s first line of defense. It rinses away food debris and bacteria after you eat. Saliva also neutralizes the pH of your mouth so that your tooth enamel isn’t exposed to a highly acidic environment. If you suffer from dry mouth, talk to your dentist about what you can do to protect your oral health.

#4 Not rinsing after brushing can protect your teeth. Your toothpaste contains vital amounts of fluoride to protect your teeth against decay. Therefore, after you brush, avoid the temptation to rinse it all away.

#5 Your teeth are as unique as your fingerprint. Your teeth can actually identify you just like your fingerprint. Each person comes with a unique and very specific set of pearly whites. Make sure you are taking care of something so special.

#6 Your tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your entire body. The outer layer of your teeth, or the enamel, is composed of 96% minerals. It is exceptionally strong. However, it is not invincible. Your tooth enamel can still chip, crack and erode with harmful habits.

#7 Store your toothbrush at least six feet away from your toilet. Do you know that there are right and wrong ways to store your toothbrush? If your toothbrush is closer than six feet from the toilet, airborne bacteria can reach the bristles!

There’s plenty more to know about your teeth. Keep checking out our Soft Touch Dentistry blog to keep learning about your oral health – your smile will thank you!

Posted on behalf of Dr. Sarah Thompson, Soft Touch Dentistry
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