Fun Smile Facts from the Dentist Richmond Residents Prefer

There’s a strange human phenomenon called inattentional blindness. If you’ve ever said that something “blended into the background,” or became “part of the landscape,” you’re likely experiencing this phenomenon. When people see something repeatedly they take for granted that it is the same from day to day or minute to minute, and don’t observe changes. For instance, if you drive your car every day, you may not notice one hubcap is missing for several days. This happens all the time because our brains ignore repeated images in order to retain space for new information. The phenomenon has been applied to other areas such as memory, education, and politics, but one major area where people often experience inattentional blindness is oral health. Most patients don’t know why they visit our office two times each year, how many teeth they have, or even why fluoride is beneficial for dental care. These things have faded into the background. Westhampton Dentistry invites you to take a closer look at some of the interesting and illuminating stories behind your beautiful smile. Call to find out more about any of our dental services, or to schedule an appointment with the dentist Richmond residents love.

How many teeth do I have?

This may seem like an obvious question, but very few people know the answer: 28 permanent teeth. Before permanent teeth develop, children have primary, baby, milk, or deciduous teeth that number only 20: 8 molars, 4 canines, and 8 incisors. Adults typically keep 28 permanent teeth though they develop 32. Adults have an extra set of 8 premolars, and 4 wisdom teeth or 3^rd molars. Typically, wisdom teeth are removed leaving adults with 28 teeth.

What kinds of teeth are there?

Children have three types of teeth: molars, cuspids (canines), and incisors. Adults have these three types of teeth and bicuspids or premolars. Incisors are used for biting and cutting food while canines are used for tearing. Premolars and molars are used for chewing and grinding foods.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that typically erupt in the late teens or early twenties. These teeth served an evolutionary function for our ancient ancestors who ate tough, uncooked meats and grains that wore teeth down more quickly. When the third set of molars grew in, they were needed to replace damaged teeth. In the 17^th century, people referred to these molars as teeth of wisdom since they appeared after people reached what was at the time considered adulthood (age 17 to 25). This was simplified to wisdom teeth in the 19^th century, and it stuck. One of the most interesting things about wisdom teeth is that, while there are typically four, some patients only have one or as many as six.

What are the best dental products?

When it comes to choosing toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, mouth rinse, and other dental products, the best way to ensure you’re getting the highest quality product is to look for the American Dental Association seal. ADA approved products are guaranteed to be of the highest quality and effectiveness.

Why visit the dentist twice a year?

Twice annual dental visits allow the Westhampton Dentistry team to prevent major dental concerns, and diagnose and treat issues at the earliest possible stage allowing for conservative treatment. This emphasis on prevention increases the odds that patients will keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.

Why is fluoride important?

The mouth is its own ecosystem. Bacteria in the mouth absorb and break down nutrients in food, but sugars absorbed by bacteria create a sticky, acidic film over teeth that breaks down tooth enamel. The body’s natural resistance against these acid attacks is saliva. Saliva is highly alkaline and neutralizes the acidic bacteria. When the acidic is more plentiful than the basic resistance from saliva, tooth decay occurs. Fluoride offers an added layer of defense against decay because it attracts phosphates and other nutrients to rebuild or remineralize teeth damaged by acid attacks.

Call the Dentist Richmond Loves – Westhampton Dentistry

Now that you’re getting to know your mouth, you may have other questions. The team at Westhampton Dentistry is here to answer them. Call to find out more about oral health or to schedule your appointment today.