How Strong Are Your Teeth, Really?

A man holding a toothbrush with toothpaste about to brush his teeth
Caption: Take good care of your teeth to keep them healthy and strong

Most of us are trained to look after our teeth from a young age. We know that we should brush at least twice a day and limit our intake of sugary products. In this article, we dive into some of the facts about teeth, and the reasons behind why we look after them the way we do. We also talk about what might happen if we don’t treat them right. You may find yourself looking for the best dental implants in Boston. Teeth need to be cared for through regular hygiene and regular dental exams.

So, let’s start off by taking a look at the facts about teeth.

TOOTH ENAMEL IS STRONG STUFF

There’s a reason why archaeologists often dig up the teeth of our ancient ancestors. The fact is that teeth are made of the hardest substance in the body, even harder than bone. Although teeth are made of the same calcium as all other bones, the enamel that covers them is especially strong. The surface of this enamel is 96% minerals, the highest percentage of minerals anywhere in the body. However, if the enamel is compromised, a cavity forms or gum disease might develop.

TEETH ARE NOT INDESTRUCTIBLE

Although teeth are the strongest bone in the body, they are not indestructible. Misusing them, such as opening soda or beer bottles (not advisable), can and eventually will break your teeth. We see it happen often—someone using their teeth for something other than eating and speaking ends up in our office for tooth repair. Furthermore, teeth cannot repair themselves or heal like tissues in the body. This makes them particularly important to protect.

TEETH ARE SENSITIVE TO SUGAR

While the enamel on your teeth is quite strong, it is vulnerable to bacteria that thrive on sugar.  When sugar is present, the natural bacteria in your mouth start to consume and digest it, eventually producing enough acid waste that removes the enamel. This process is called demineralization, and if left unchecked, your teeth are vulnerable to decay. To protect your teeth, always brush thoroughly after consuming sugary products, or avoid them altogether.  Conversely, calcium counteracts the effects of sugar, along with fluoride from toothpaste and water.

AVOID OVER BRUSHING

Over-brushing or vigorous brushing can wear down your tooth enamel and cause the same vulnerabilities in your teeth as if you didn’t brush your teeth on a regular basis. It’s best to use a soft bristle brush and brush gently for 2 minutes. Follow up with an anti-cavity mouth wash.

As always, Dental Partners of Boston is available to help you achieve your optimal dental health. By treating your teeth right, and caring for them properly, replacing damaged or lost teeth due to decay will never be an issue. Please contact us to schedule an appointment for a professional cleaning and exam.

Related Posts