You probably realize that your teeth serve an important function in your continued wellbeing, and that brushing them every day is vital to their good health. However, beyond the obvious, your teeth are also responsible for digesting your food, enunciating your words, and decorating your face (among many other duties). To learn more about the importance of your teeth and taking care of your overall oral health, take our short quiz below.

How Much Do You Know?

1.)  How many teeth does a healthy adult mouth typically grow?

a.) 26                                                                                     c.) 30

b.) 28                                                                                     d.) 32

2.) What is the most common cause of adult tooth loss?

a.) Tooth decay                                                                     c.) Old age

b.) Gum disease                                                                   d.) Accidental trauma

3.) Although not the most common cause of tooth loss, which dental disease causes holes to form in your teeth?

a.) Tooth decay                                                                     c.) Halitosis

b.) Gum disease                                                                   d.) Xerostomia

Answers

1.) 32—Although your mouth may grow 32 teeth, the last four, commonly called wisdom teeth, are often extracted due to complications such as crowding. With 28 teeth, your mouth can still function properly and last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, making wisdom teeth the only teeth that can be safely extracted and not replaced.

2.) Gum disease—As the name suggests, gum disease infects the soft tissues that surround and protect the roots of your teeth (called your gums). In its most severe form, gum disease can also destroy the jawbone underneath your gums, which holds the roots of your teeth steadily in place. Quite often, the damage is enough to affect your jaw’s tooth-retention ability, leading to the loss of one or more teeth.

3.) Tooth decay—Also called cavities, small holes form in your teeth as decay eats away at their structures. The holes compromise your tooth’s integrity and expose its vulnerable nerves and blood vessels to irritation and infection. Severe tooth decay can require a tooth extraction to preserve the rest of your oral health; however, when detected in time, your tooth can be successfully treated with a tooth-colored dental filling.

Taking Good Care of Your Dental Health

With a consistent routine of good hygiene at home and regular care at your dentist’s office, you have a much better chance of taking good care of your dental health. To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call Dr. Steven Huffstutler in Ft. Worth, TX, today at 817-918-3038.