During your regular dental cleanings and exams, you probably hear some version of the same advice: brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Your dental team at North Oaks Dental always reminds patients about the best at-home oral care routine.

We love spending time will our patients to discuss their smile goals and suggest new ways they can enhance their smile. But there is always so much more you can learn about your teeth and oral health. Today we want to share 10 dental facts that you should know about your teeth and mouth.

  • 1. You need to brush for two minutes

Most people know it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, but they often don’t know how long to brush. People mistakenly brush harder rather than longer. Plaque is soft and easy to remove, and you just need to make sure your clean every corner of the mouth.

  • 2. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss

Gum disease claims more teeth than tooth trauma or tooth decay. This condition, also known as periodontal disease, can quickly spread around the mouth and erode the gums and underlying bone. The early stages of gum disease are curable, but the most severe form of gum disease, periodontitis, is not curable.

  • 3. More than 70% of seniors in America will have periodontal disease

Gum disease has reached epidemic proportions, and we dentists have been sounding the alarm for years. About 50 percent of American adults older than 30 will have gum disease, but seniors face the highest risk.

  • 4. 78% of children will have cavities before the age of 17

If you have children, this fact should frighten you. You’ll want to stay diligent with your child’s cleanings and even consider preventive treatments.

  • 5. Dental plaque can form in about eight hours

Plaque is a filmy substance that forms on your teeth and develops from bacteria in the mouth. If you do not clean the plaque from your teeth, it turns into tartar, a hardened substance that cannot be removed by brushing.

  • 6. Only about 40% percent of people in America floss regularly

Flossing should be part of your daily routine, but a majority of people don’t do it. Flossing is a great way to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

  • 7. About 35 percent of the tooth is beneath the gum line

This fact is tied in with the fact above. A good portion of the tooth is beneath the gums, and you can only reach that area with floss. So, if you’re not flossing, it’s almost impossible to clean the entire tooth.

  • 8. About 36 million people in America have natural teeth

Tooth loss is a major problem in this country, and many of those people are using dentures to replace their missing teeth.

  • 9. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body

Enamel is harder than bone or anything else in your body. But still, tooth decay can damage the enamel, which is the outer layer of the tooth. If the decay is not stopped, it will continue through to the inner layer or even dental pulp of the tooth.

  • 10. You should replace your toothbrush or toothbrush bristle about once every three to four months

Do you have a frayed toothbrush on your sink? Or maybe your toothbrush is OK, but you’ve been using it for tooth long. An old toothbrush is less effective, and the toothbrush head can develop bacteria over time.

Partner With Us For Your Dental Needs

North Dental Oaks is ready to give you the care you need. We treat patients of all ages and dental complications and offer numerous treatments under one roof. We’re offering every service from teeth-straightening to replacing teeth with dental implants. Give us a call today at 248-712-1522 (Royal Oak) 248-963-1969 (New Hudson) 586-685-7937 (Sterling Heights) to book an appointment.