Did you know that teeth are the only structures in the human body that can’t repair themselves when damaged? That’s why it’s so important to visit a qualified Lafayette dentist when you damage your smile. But, don’t wait until you injure your smile–contact our compassionate Lafayette dentist today for stellar preventive care, too!
At 23 Smiles, Dr. Michael J. Young can help you get the healthy, strong, and head-turning smile you deserve. Simply call our dental clinic in Lafayette, LA, at (337) 237-6453, or send our team a message here to book your appointment now.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, let our team tell you four shocking facts about teeth. Psst…you might be surprised by number 3!
1. Humans have 20 baby teeth and 32 adult teeth (but not always!).
Humans usually come equipped with two sets of teeth:
- 20 deciduous teeth (also called baby teeth or milk teeth)
- 32 secondary teeth (also called permanent teeth or adult teeth)
In rare instances, however, some individuals are born with missing secondary teeth or with no secondary teeth at all. Medical professionals refer to this condition as hypodontia, and it affects around 7% of the population.
Luckily, patients with hypodontia can manage the condition with quality prosthetic dentistry solutions. With options like dentures and dental implants, patients with hypodontia can smile, eat, and speak with complete ease and comfort.
2. Tooth enamel is the toughest substance in the human body.
Our bones are strong, but tooth enamel is even stronger than bone tissue. In fact, tooth enamel contains approximately 96% mineral content compared to the 65% of mineral content found in bones.
However, unlike bones, our tooth enamel cannot repair itself once damaged. This means that protecting our tooth enamel is a must, regardless of how strong it is.
Our Lafayette dentist recommends protecting tooth enamel by:
- Limiting acidic foods and drinks
- Avoiding excess sugar
- Treating bruxism (teeth grinding) with a night guard
- Brushing after meals or at least twice daily
- Flossing at least once a day
- Visiting our Lafayette dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings
3. Teeth are as unique as fingerprints.
No two teeth are the same, making them as unique to you as your fingerprints. It is for this very reason that law enforcement and medical professionals use dental records as a means of identification.
Although the distinctive shape of each tooth is unique, teeth also contain enamel patterns that make them even more unique to that person. Common enamel patterns include:
- Wavy
- Linear
- Whorl
- Loop
- Stem-like
Check out this article to see the patterns for yourself!
4. Healthy teeth mean a healthy body.
For years, medical professionals have been proclaiming the intrinsic link between oral health and systemic health. This principle (often called the oral-systemic connection) states that disease and dysfunction in the mouth will, inevitably, lead to disease and dysfunction in the body.
Our Lafayette dentist suggests boosting your oral and bodily health with:
- Probiotics
- A nutritious diet
- Remineralizing oral hygiene products
- Twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing
- Regular visits with our Lafayette dentist
Schedule your appointment with our Lafayette dentist today!
If you’re looking for an experienced and compassionate Lafayette dentist, then contact Dr. Young today. He and his caring team will gladly help you get the beautiful, healthy smile you need to thrive. Patients can send our team a message here, or they may call our Lafayette dental office at (337) 237-6453.
