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Posted on 1/15/2019 by Brian Rounds, DDS |
Did you know that there are four different types of teeth? It's true, and while brushing and flossing are essential for all of them, you may want to take some extra steps for care depending on the tooth. IncisorsThe very front teeth in your mouth are known as the incisors. They help to bite into food, and since they are the first teeth to emerge when you are young, they end to stay in the mouth the longest. Their placement front-and-center in your mouth make the incisors vulnerable to trauma and injury, so if you participate in athletics, use of a mouth guard can help to protect them.CaninesThe canines are usually the easiest to identify among the teeth in your mouth. They are long and sharp, which makes them useful in tearing food. Don't be tempted to use them as tools to open packages, though. This is a good way to damage the incisors.MolarsThe molars take on a majority of the chewing function after you eat. It breaks down your meals to make the digestive process easier. It may be difficult to floss in these far corners of the mouth, especially if you suffer from arthritis or other mobility issues. Dental tools may help with this process so that you can adequately remove food and plaque from between the teeth.Wisdom TeethAlso called the third molars, the wisdom teeth are in the very back of the mouth. For many people, they are the source of pain, discomfort, and infection. When your wisdom teeth come in, we'll need to have a serious talk about how they are affecting the rest of your mouth.Besides good oral hygiene, regular dental visits are important for all of the teeth in your mouth. Give us a call to set up your next appointment. |