The Graber Orthodontics Blog

We know that it’s important to brush our teeth at least three times a day, floss at least once, and maintain good oral hygiene for a healthy smile, but there are many things about our teeth that we still don’t know! Dr. Katie Graber answers our questions.

1. How many teeth does an average adult have?

28 (32 if they keep their wisdom teeth)

2. Why do we lose our first set of teeth?

The first set of teeth is smaller to fit in our mouths when we are younger. They have shorter roots and are replaced by larger teeth as we grow (in height as well.)

3. What are teeth made of?

Teeth have three main layers. The most inner portion of the tooth is called the dental pulp. This pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. The second layer of the tooth is the dentin. The dentin has free nerve endings. The outermost layer of a tooth is called enamel. It is hard and dense and does not have nerve endings.

4. How can we tell if we have a cavity?

A dental cavity is a divot (hole) in the tooth. Depending on their size, a cavity can penetrate into the second and third layer of the tooth. A patient most often finds that there is a cavity when they are alerted by their dentist. Most often, when the cavity is diagnosed at the dental office, it is small and can be managed with a filling material. If the cavity is large enough to be noticed by the patient (either by noticing a black/gray hole in the tooth or the tooth becomes sore) – the cavity may be too large for traditional filling material. The best preventative measures can be recommended by the dentist. Most commonly, a dentist will recommend fluoride treatment as the fluoride will make the enamel layer (hard outer surface of the tooth) better protected against the toxins from mouth bacteria.

5. Why do our teeth get cavities?

Teeth get cavities when the bacteria that live in the mouth release toxins. The toxins are strong enough to etch holes into the enamel of our teeth. There are bacteria that occur normally in the mouth and are not a danger. If there are excess sugars in the oral cavity, the more harmful bacteria multiply and release toxins. These toxins (from certain types of bacteria) are the cause of cavities.

6. What makes teeth sensitive to hot or cold?

Exposure of the tooth second layer (dentin) can cause sensitivity. Sometimes this is due to a dental cavity but it can also be due to gum recession, tooth wear from a bad bite and/or abnormally large nerve endings in the teeth.

7. What’s enamel?

The hard outer layer of the tooth.

8. What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molar teeth.

9. Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the most posterior molar. It is thought that they were needed in the past when the human diet was harder.

10. Why do some people need their wisdom teeth removed?

Most people do not have enough space for their wisdom teeth. If there is not enough space for the teeth to grow properly, it is advised that they be removed.

11. What causes our teeth to become discolored?

Tooth discoloration falls into two main categories; extrinsic stains (on the outside of the tooth) and intrinsic stains (on the inside of the tooth.) Intrinsic staining can be caused by: trauma to the tooth (where the blood vessels “bruise”), developmental insults (medications or high fever when the teeth were developing) or cavities (where the decay from the cavity or restorative material shows through the tooth.) These types of stains can be addressed by the general dentist. Extrinsic staining can be caused by different foods (coffee, tea, red wine, etc.), smoking cigarettes, or can be caused bya side effect of certain medications.

12. Are crooked teeth genetic?

Bite problems can be genetic and/or environmental. Family trends are noted in more severe problems (such as large underbite or large overbite.) Spacing of the teeth (gaps) is also tied to lineage. Actual individual tooth crookedness is not thought to be genetic.

All patients are recommended for care with their family dentist no less than twice a year. That way they can be monitored for dental cavities or gingivitis! If you have questions about the alignment of your teeth, contact us at Graber Orthodontics to schedule a consultation.