How Much Do You Know About Your Teeth?

At Town Square Dental in Pasadena, TX, we believe that an essential part of our patient’s dental treatment is education. This allows them to make educated, informed decisions in regards to their dental conditions and treatment. We often find that patients don’t know much about teeth other than they want them to be bright and healthy, so this week we’re discussing your teeth!

• About Incisors – You have eight incisors that are located at the front of your mouth. They have a sharp biting surface which is used for cutting food into smaller more chewable pieces.
• About Canines – You have four canine teeth which are located at the corners of your dental arches. They have a sharp, pointed biting surface which is used to grip and tear your food.
• About Premolars – As an adult, you will have eight premolars which are located between your canine and molar teeth. They have a flat biting surface which is used to tear and crush the food you eat.
• About Molars – As an adult, you will have twelve molars, which are the largest of your teeth and are located in the back of your mouth. They have a large flat biting surface which is used to grind, crush and chew the food you eat.

Proper At-Home Dental Care

To ensure you have optimal oral health, practicing proper dental care techniques is necessary. When selecting a toothbrush, opt for one that fits your mouth correctly and has soft bristles. Although a hard brush may seem like it can clean better, they can actually cause damage. Be sure to brush your teeth at a minimum of twice a day, spending 2 minutes brushing. Flossing is another important step; be sure to floss at least once a day. This can remove additional debris you may miss with your brush.