Your Teeth
Humans have two sets of teeth in their lifetime: primary teeth (also known as baby teeth) and permanent teeth. Primary teeth begin to appear at around age 6-8 months and are all in place by age 3. Permanent teeth begin to grow around age 6 and are all present, except for the wisdom teeth, by age 12-14. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, and they typically do so between the ages of 17 and 25.
Primary teeth are smaller and less durable than permanent teeth, and they eventually fall out to be replaced by permanent teeth. This process, called teething, usually begins around age 6 and is completed by age 12.
Wisdom teeth are often removed because they can cause overcrowding, pain, and infection. They can also damage other teeth if they erupt in a way that pushes against them.
The front teeth are called incisors. They are used for biting and cutting food. The sharp, pointed teeth next to the incisors are called canines. They are used for tearing food. The teeth behind the canines are called premolars or bicuspids. They are used for chewing and grinding food. The teeth at the back of the mouth are called molars. They are the largest and strongest teeth, and they are used for grinding food.
To keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime, it is important to brush and floss twice a day and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Common Dental Problems
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is a common dental problem that occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack the tooth’s enamel. These acids can eat away at the enamel, forming a hole in the tooth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
To prevent tooth decay, it is important to brush and floss your teeth regularly, eat a healthy diet, and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth are caused by exposed dentin, the soft layer of tissue beneath the tooth’s enamel. This exposure can be caused by gum recession, worn-down enamel, or cracked teeth. Sensitive teeth can cause pain or discomfort when eating, drinking, or brushing.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce sensitivity, such as using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, and using a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you have sensitive teeth, it is important to see your dentist to determine the cause of the sensitivity and get the appropriate treatment.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and tissues that support the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth that form plaque, a sticky film that builds up on the teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can irritate the gums and cause them to become inflamed and bleed.
Gum disease can lead to a number of problems, including tooth loss, bad breath, and jawbone problems. It is important to treat gum disease early to prevent these complications.
To prevent gum disease, it is important to brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods and drinks, and medical conditions.
To prevent halitosis, it is important to brush and floss your teeth regularly, use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from your tongue, and avoid foods and drinks that can cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions. If you have persistent halitosis, see your dentist or doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Cold Sores or Canker Sores
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, acidic foods, and minor injuries. Canker sores typically heal on their own within a week or two.
To relieve the pain of canker sores, you can try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, using a topical pain reliever, or avoiding foods and drinks that irritate the sores. If you have severe canker sores or canker sores that do not heal on their own, see your dentist or doctor.
Orthodontic Problems
General orthodontic problems, also known as malocclusions, are misalignments of the teeth and jaws. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, thumb-sucking, and trauma. Malocclusions can lead to a number of problems, including difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing. They can also affect the appearance of the smile.
There are a number of different types of malocclusions, including crowding, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Orthodontic treatment can be used to correct malocclusions and improve the function and appearance of the smile.
If you have any concerns about your teeth or jaws, it is important to see an orthodontist for an evaluation. Orthodontists can diagnose malocclusions and recommend the best course of treatment.
Emergency Dental Problems
Tooth Ache
An emergency toothache is a severe tooth pain that requires immediate attention from a dentist. It can be caused by a number of factors, including an infection, a cracked tooth, or a broken filling. Emergency toothaches can be very painful and can make it difficult to eat, drink, and sleep.
If you are experiencing an emergency toothache, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of the pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. Treatment for emergency toothaches may include antibiotics, pain relievers, a root canal, or even tooth extraction.
To relieve the pain of an emergency toothache, you can try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, applying a cold compress to your face, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers. However, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to get the definitive treatment.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
If the cut or bite is small and superficial, you may be able to treat it at home. You can rinse the wound with warm water and apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. You should also avoid eating or drinking hot or spicy foods and drinks, as these can irritate the wound.
If the cut or bite is large or deep, you should seek medical attention immediately. You may need stitches or other medical treatment to close the wound and prevent infection.
If you have a child with an emergency cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek, it is important to stay calm and reassure the child. Children may be scared or upset if they are bleeding in the mouth.
If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, such as diabetes or hemophilia, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if the cut or bite is small.
If you are unsure whether or not you need medical attention, it is always best to err on the side of caution and see a doctor.
Broken Tooth
The first thing you should do is rinse your mouth with warm water. If the tooth is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. If the bleeding is severe, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Once the bleeding has stopped, you should try to find the broken piece of tooth. If you can find it, rinse it with water and place it in a glass of milk or saliva. This will help to keep the tooth moist and viable.
Next, you should call your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The dentist will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of treatment. Treatment for a broken tooth may include a filling, crown, or root canal.
In the meantime, if the broken tooth is sharp, you can cover it with a piece of dental wax or a piece of gum to protect your cheeks and tongue. Avoid eating or drinking hot or hard foods and drinks, as these can irritate the broken tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to relieve pain and inflammation.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
If you have a knocked-out permanent tooth, the first thing you should do is rinse your mouth with warm water. If the tooth is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. If the bleeding is severe, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Once the bleeding has stopped, you should try to find the knocked-out tooth. If you can find it, pick it up by the crown, avoiding touching the root. Rinse the tooth with water and place it back in the socket, if possible. If the tooth does not fit back in the socket, place it in a glass of milk or saliva.
Next, you should call your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The dentist will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of treatment. Treatment for a knocked-out tooth may include replanting the tooth, splinting the tooth to a neighboring tooth, or placing a crown or bridge.
Possible Broken Jaw
If you think you may have a broken jaw, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A broken jaw can be a serious injury that can cause difficulty breathing, eating, and speaking.
In the event of a jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief. Immediately go to the nearest emergency room.
Bleeding after loss of a “baby tooth”
The first thing you should do is apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. If the bleeding does not stop after 5 minutes, you should seek medical attention in the form of a doctor or dentist immediately.
Glossary of Dental Terms
Abscess – infection caused by severe tooth decay, trauma or gum disease
Amalgam – a silver and mercury material used for fillings
Anesthetic – a drug used by your doctor to eliminate a patient’s localized pain during certain dental procedures
Anterior – the teeth in the front of your mouth
Apex – the very tip of the root of a tooth
Aspirator – a suction device your dentist uses to remove saliva from your mouth
Bonding – a plastic composite painted on the teeth to correct stains or damage
Bridge – one or more artificial teeth attached to your adjacent teeth
Bruxism – the clenching or grinding of teeth, most commonly while sleeping
Calculus – the hardened plaque that can form on neglected or prone teeth, commonly known as tartar
Canine – the pointy teeth just behind the laterals
Caries – another name for cavities or decayed teeth
Cavity – a tiny hole in the tooth caused by decay
Central – the two upper and two lower teeth in the center of the mouth
Crown – an artificial tooth or cover made of porcelain or metal
Cuspid – the pointy teeth just behind the laterals, also known as canines
Decalcification – the loss of calcium from the teeth
Dental Implants – an implant is attached to the jawbone that replaces a missing tooth or teeth
Dentures – a removable set of artificial teeth
Enamel – the hard surface of the tooth above the gum line
Endodontist – a dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases and infections of the dental pulp (inner tooth)
Extraction – the removal of a tooth or teeth
Filling – a plug made of metal or composite material used to fill a tooth cavity
Fluoride – a chemical solution used to harden teeth and prevent decay
Gingivitis – inflammation of gums around the roots of the teeth
Gums – the firm flesh that surrounds the roots of the teeth
Impacted Tooth – often occurring with wisdom teeth, it is a tooth that sits sideways below the gum line, often requiring extraction
Incisor – one of the flat, sharp-edged teeth in the front of the mouth
Inlays – a custom-made filling cemented into an unhealthy tooth
Lateral – these are the teeth adjacent to the centrals
Night Guard – a plastic mouthpiece worn at night to prevent grinding of the teeth; also used to treat TMJ
Pedodontist – also known as a pediatric dentist, a dentist that specializes in the treatment of children’s teeth
Periodontist – a dentist specializing in the treatment of gum disease
Plaque – a sticky buildup of acids and bacteria that causes tooth decay
Posterior Teeth – the teeth in the back of the mouth
Primary Teeth – also known as “baby teeth”
Prosthodontist – a dentist specializing in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth or severely damaged teeth
Root – the portion of the tooth below your gum line
Root Canal – cleaning out and filling the inside nerve of a tooth that is heavily decayed
Sealant – plastic coating applied to teeth to prevent decay. Used most commonly for children
Secondary Teeth – the permanent teeth
Sleep Apnea – a potentially serious disorder in which a sleeping person may stop breathing for 10 seconds or more, often continuously throughout the night
TMJ Syndrome – a disorder associated with the joint of the jaw, often caused by a misalignment of or a disparity in upper and lower jaw sizes.
Tooth Whitening – a process designed to whiten and brighten teeth
Veneer – a plastic, porcelain or composite material used to improve the attractiveness of a stained or damaged tooth