Although we often leave dental work up to our dentists, you should still know a little bit about general dentistry in the Willmar area. Here are a few basic facts about oral health and general dentistry for Willmar, MN residents, including at least one thing that can lead to needing help from a general dentist.
Humans Have Two Sets of Teeth
In dental terminology, each set of teeth is known as a dentition. Our primary dentition holds 20 teeth that come in around six months of age, form a complete set by roughly three years of age, and are all gone by age 12. Deciduous or milk teeth are replaced by the secondary dentition’s permanent set of teeth, which consists of 32 teeth that are intended to last us throughout our lives.
We Have Four Types of Teeth
Our four types of teeth are as follows: molars, premolars or bicuspids, canines or cuspids, and incisors. We have 12 molars that are found in the back of our mouths. They’re responsible for breaking down food through crushing, chewing, and grinding. Our mouths house 8 premolars that sit in front of our molars. They bridge the gap between molars and canines. Cuspids, or canines, are used to secure and tear food. Lastly, incisors are used to cut or shear food into smaller pieces, similar to knives or scissors.
Low Potential Hydrogen Environments Are Bad for Teeth
Enamel goes away whenever our mouths are home to acidic environments. Enamel is important because it protects the inner structures of teeth from becoming damaged, leading to tooth decay, tooth loss, and pain. Enamel dissolves whenever our mouths’ pH (potential hydrogen) readings are at 5.5 or below. Whenever the pH is at 6.5 or lower, our teeth’s dentin goes away. As such, you should stay away from acidic foods and drinks.
For more information or for a reputable and reliable dentist in the Willmar, MN, area, visit the team at Glacial Lakes Dental.
