Did you know each tooth is necessary in assisting you with the ability to chew, bite, talk and function normally? If you’re like millions of Americans, the teeth are one of the first things you notice when it comes to meeting a person for the first time. A smile is what engages others and gives off a great first impression, especially in situations such as job interviews. Your mouth is made up of the incisors, canines, bicuspids (premolars) and first, second and third molars. It’s important to take care of all your teeth to avoid infections, weakness, tooth decay and gum disease. At Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of the Rockies, we strive to keep your mouth healthy. Learn why each part of your smile is important!
Besides the eyes, your smile is noticed first in about ⅓ of first meetings and is one of the main physical aspects a person remembers later on. Studies have shown that people with whiter and straighter smiles have a better chance against competitors when it comes to landing a professional job. Smiling often can show the confidence level a person has. Those who smile more tend to be perceived as more confident, successful, happy and even more trustworthy. Your teeth literally make a lasting impression on others.
Because a smile is so important to success, it must be taken care of. Sadly, millions of Americans–64.7 to be exact–don’t practice proper oral hygiene routines, resulting in varying degrees of gum disease. This is a completely preventable oral disease that starts with poor hygiene. When teeth are not cleaned frequently, a layer of bacteria-infested plaque begins to form. This acidic substance slowly erodes the tooth enamel (the hard outer layer) and leads to tooth decay and cavities. It also erodes the tooth near the gumline. Red, swollen and bleeding gums (known as Gingivitis) eventually turns into severe gum disease (a.k.a. periodontitis). This is when the teeth can actually fall out. 178 million Americans are missing one tooth or more in the mouth. Those numbers add up! Why is this so bad? Each tooth is important in the mouth and we need each one to function properly.
The teeth allow us to chew and bite properly, which is something we do many times a day when eating. They shape how we speak as well. Missing a tooth here and there can literally change how you talk and sound. When it comes to gum disease, when one tooth is lost, it can lead to a chain reaction of more and more teeth being lost as the gums and jaw lose their strength to keep the teeth in place. Each tooth has it’s own purpose and function though. You might have noticed that some of your teeth look different, and that’s because the mouth is made up of incisors, canines, premolars and molars. You may also notice that your teeth go from small to large when traveling from the front to the back of the mouth. What does each tooth do?
All our teeth have a purpose. You can keep all of them if you practice good oral hygiene practices and come in for comprehensive exams and cleanings often. If its been some time since your last cleaning or comprehensive exam, call our Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of the Rockies office today at (970) 267-0993!