Parents may have questions about their children's permanent teeth or adults may also want to reach out to a dentist to learn more about how to best care for their teeth. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about permanent teeth.
Once all a child's permanent teeth come in, they should have 32 teeth. There should be four central incisors, four lateral incisors, four cuspids (also called canine teeth or eyeteeth), four first bicuspids (also called first premolars), four second bicuspids (also known as second premolars), four first molars (also known as six-year molars), four-second molars (also called 12-year molars), and four third molars (also called wisdom teeth).
Each tooth has three main parts:
Not brushing and flossing teeth often enough (at least twice a day) can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is a sticky, clear film made up of bacteria and food particles that forms on teeth even just a few minutes after eating. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar cause irritation and inflammation of the gums, and bacteria cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender.
Plaque and tartar lead to several problems, including:
Plaque and tartar can even cause health problems in other parts of the body, such as preterm labor in pregnant women and heart disease.
It would be best to floss at least once each day, preferably after brushing. Flossing is to remove plaque on the gums and in between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Use a soft-bristled brush for at least two minutes, two or more times a day. Use fluoride toothpaste because fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Replace a toothbrush every three to four months or sooner, as needed. A worn-out brush will not clean as effectively as a new brush.
Eat a healthy diet will make gum disease less likely. Avoid sweet foods and sweetened drinks. Eating and drinking sweet things will increase one's risk for cavities. However, if one does eat or drink something sweet, they should be sure to brush their teeth afterward.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Marco Island, FL
Many dentists recommend having an appointment for a cleaning every six months. Those with gum issues may need to see the dentist every three or four months.
Request an appointment or call Island Paradise Dental at 239-465-4999 for an appointment in our Marco Island office.
Dentistry is similar to family medicine: its practitioners offer basic services for oral health. These include checkups and examinations, professional cleanings, cavity prevention treatments (such as fluoride), and when necessary, filling cavities. Dental practitioners can also detect the early signs of tooth decay when damage is minor and more easily repaired by a dental filling.In…
A tooth infection can be a painful experience but can be effectively managed, particularly if caught early. Regular dental check-ups, along with consultation with a dentist in the event of a suspected infection, help to ensure appropriate measures are taken while promoting consistent oral health. Failure to appropriately care for a tooth infection, on the…
The field of dentistry has become so advanced that cavities are no longer the taboo subject they once were. Though uncomfortable and inconvenient, cavities are easily treatable via a few common, non-invasive procedures. Dentists can even treat some of the most severe cases of decay in single appointments. Given this fact, it makes little sense…
