The teeth are one of the strongest parts of the human body located on the jaws and in the mouth. They are used to cut, mix and grind food so that it can be swallowed, but they also play an important role in our speech and facial shaping. An adult has 32 teeth, including the 4 wisdom teeth.
Teeth are made of 4 different types of tissues which include
- Pulp – The innermost part of the tooth that consists of connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels;
- Dentin – The yellowish tissue that makes up the bulk of the teeth, it is harder than bone and softer than enamel;
- Enamel – The outer covering of the tooth;
- Cementum – The thin layer of hard dental tissue that covers the roots of teeth.
Dental Diseases
There are many dental diseases, the most common of which are caries, pulpitis, gangrene, and periodontitis.
Caries is a dental disease in which bacteria damage hard dental tissues such as enamel, dentin, and cementum.
Pulpitis occurs when caries demineralizes the dentine layer that surrounds the inside of the tooth and the dental nerve becomes exposed to stimuli from the oral cavity.
Dental gangrene is the death of the dental nerve due to the effects of bacterial toxins.
Periodontitis is inflammation of the tissue around the tip of the tooth root, caused by bacterial toxins that act on the surrounding bone tissue, damaging and demineralizing it.
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy?
It takes a lifetime of care to keep your teeth healthy – you need to take the proper steps every day to care for them and prevent problems that may arise. This includes getting the right oral products, eating the right food, and avoiding sweets.
Ways to keep your teeth healthy include
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Brush your teeth properly – don’t brush too hard
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss regularly
- Use mouth wash to improve oral hygiene
- Rinse your mouth and swish the teeth after meals
- Drink enough water
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Do not smoke
- Take diet supplements
Vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the enamel include:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
Practicing good dental care from childhood to adulthood can help a person maintain healthy teeth and gums. Daily brushing and flossing, not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and having regular dental check-ups can help people avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. It can also benefit their overall health.
Looking for more articles like this? Check these out:
➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. 178026330 | 8737176