We believe knowledge is power, and gaining knowledge starts with asking questions. Sometimes people are hesitant to ask the silly questions, but don’t worry — you aren’t the only one wondering! Below are some of the most frequently asked questions professional come across in the field. We’ve paired our answers with some interesting dental facts to help you learn more!
Are you brushing your teeth thoroughly and long enough?
Studies have shown that most individuals brush their teeth for 45 seconds. However, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes.
Oral B has created a new iPhone app that you can launch every time you brush your teeth. This new app will encourage everyone to brush their teeth in a full 2-minute routine. Another, less tekkie option, is to sing or listen to a song, or even use an egg timer. Many electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer. Make sure you’re getting your time in.
Why do we have foul breath in the morning?
During the night when you sleep, the production of saliva slows down considerably. If you haven’t reduced or eliminated bacteria by brushing your teeth before you go to bed, bacteria can start to grow. Before you go to bed at night, be sure to do your toothbrush routine to minimize the foul breath in the morning. Don’t forget to thoroughly clean your tongue, this will help minimize bad breath when you wake up.
How are dental X-rays are safe? Can they be digital?
Many dental practices now offer the awesome convenience of digital X-rays. This reduces the low radiation used to take the pictures of your mouth even more. To have the X-rays done, you will still have to wear a lead apron which protects the body from any radiation. The amount of radiation in a single dental X-ray is minuscule compared to the amount of radiation we’re exposed to outside the dental office during our lifetime.
Tooth Worms DO NOT cause cavities
In the 1800s, it was believed that tooth worms were the cause of cavities. It was thought that the little worms made holes in the teeth and hide themselves, not to be seen beneath the surface. People imagined that the wiggling motion of the tooth worms caused the tooth aches.
As man progressed with knowledge, we now know that the cavities are tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria that erodes the enamel of the teeth. The bacteria grows in the plaque that accumulates on the teeth. Bacteria particularly love to eat the remnants of the starchy and sugary food that we eat, which creates acid that destroys the enamel of the teeth.
Who has more teeth? Men or Women?
The well-known philosopher, Aristotle, believed that women had fewer teeth compared to men. BOTH men and women are born with 20 primary teeth. Permanent teeth grow and replace the primary teeth and comprised of 10 secondary molars, 8 premolars, 4 canines and 8 incisors.
The number of teeth of humans may differ only with regard to the wisdom teeth. Studies have shown that about 35 percent of the population of the world do not develop wisdom teeth. There are scientists who believe that the number of those who don’t develop wisdom teeth will grow and eventually that no one will have them anymore.
When do teeth start to develop?
A baby is usually born without any visible teeth. However, the buds of the 20 primary teeth and the 32 permanent teeth are already present in the structure of the jaw of an unborn baby. Only the wisdom teeth develop during adolescence. It is an amazing fact, as an unborn baby we have already the bone structure to completely grow a set of 32 permanent teeth.
Feel free to contact us more with any other curious questions you may have. We are here to answer and assist you in your oral health journey!
