Did you know that teeth begin growing in babies whilst they are still in the womb, as early as 11 weeks into their development? By the time they are born, their first set of teeth (primary) is already mineralised and in position, ready to erupt from about the age of 6 months. This means that beyond that delightfully gummy first smile lies a fully developed set of baby teeth, 20 in all, which will later follow the natural order and grow into position to help your baby learn to talk and chew food.
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but enamel erosion is still something about which you should be concerned. Enamel is responsible for protecting the inner layers of your teeth; in a way, enamel can be considered their first line of defence. Unfortunately, enamel can be worn down by the acids and sugars found in the foods and drinks that you consume, with sugary sodas being one of the biggest culprits.
If you're looking for a permanent false tooth solution, then you may be thinking about having a dental implant. Implants use strong posts that are inserted into bone to anchor a false tooth into place; they can often be a more secure and natural solution to other teeth replacement options. However, like any medical procedure, implants are not suitable for everyone and may not always work. If you're taking antidepressants, it is important that you tell your dentist before you opt for implant treatment as your medication may affect the success of the implant.
Dating can be really nerve-racking, especially when you're not happy with your appearance. If you dislike your teeth, you might find yourself feeling reluctant to smile, avoiding dates that involve eating, and worrying about that special first kiss. A 1998 survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that 85% of adults believe that an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to the opposite sex — so your fears may not be totally unfounded.
Most people won't hesitate to replace a missing front tooth, whether by using a dental implant, denture or having a bridge put in. After all, a missing front tooth is noticeable when you smile or eat, so people naturally want to have the gap filled in. In contrast, it's often hard for people to spot a missing back tooth, so people are less motivated to have the gap filled in using one of the methods listed above.
You may have heard that cavities and oral decay are linked to things like heart disease, and, in fact, your oral health affects your entire body. Hi! My name is Brenda, and I like to look at things holistically. Because of that, I created this blog. I plan for its posts to look at the link between dental issues and other health issues. I hope that the people who visit this blog learn a few tips about oral care as well as gaining a deeper understanding of why it's so important. Healthy smiles indicate a healthy body, and I hope this blog helps you achieve both!