Your mouth is an intricate puzzle that fits and works together perfectly. It’s especially important to keep your permanent adult teeth healthy, clean, and strong so that they can fully perform each of their functions.

To understand why excellent dental hygiene is critical to maintaining a strong smile, your dentist thought it would be helpful to review 4 types of teeth we all have in our mouths and each of their roles.

4 Types of Teeth

Incisors

When you smile, these are teeth that everyone sees first. Besides showing off your smile, incisors are the teeth that you use to take bites out of your food. They also help you to speak properly when they’re aligned correctly and have equal lengths. The best way to take care of them is to:

• Brush and floss regularly.
• Wear a mouth guard if you play sports.
• Visit your dentist semiannually to get them professionally cleaned.

Canines

Those sharp, pointy “vampire teeth” are formally known as canine teeth. These are the second type of teeth to develop in your smile. These are the sharpest teeth in your smile and help you tear your food apart. The best way to care for canine teeth is to:

• Brush and floss regularly—especially floss because tough foods can get stuck between these teeth.
• Avoid opening packages with your teeth so they don’t experience dental damage.
• Visit your dentist semiannually for a checkup and professional cleaning.

Molars

Thirdly, you have your molars. Their primary function plays a crucial role in the digestive system by helping you chew, grind, and break down food.

If you’ve ever seen someone with tooth pain in their back teeth or even missing a molar, their quality of life is affected. Here are some ways to care for your molars:

• It’s critical to floss in between these teeth! It can be difficult to reach your very back teeth, but there are tools that can make flossing easier.
• Remove as much food and bacteria as possible by brushing regularly.
• Visit your dentist for semiannual dental checkups and professional cleanings.

Third Molars

These teeth are referred to as your wisdom teeth. These are the last teeth to develop and don’t usually break through your gums until patients are young adults.  Your third molars are there to help with the digestive system as well with breaking down food. When it comes to your third molars, remember these things:

• Some people may have enough space for them to develop and come into your mouth fully, but your dentist may recommend having them extracted if you experience dental pain throughout their development.
• Brush and floss especially good as they come in to avoid bacterial infections.
• Visit and openly communicate with your dentist about your adult teeth growing in.

It’s important to appreciate what every one of your teeth does for your smile. Show your teeth and gums how much you care by scheduling an appointment with your dentist every six months and taking great care of them at home.

Meet the Dentist

Dr.Drew Vanderbrook is committed to a high standard when it comes to providing dental care to his patients. After completing his educational programs, receiving honors, and holding many roles in organized dentistry, he continues to strive for excellence in his dental practice. If you would like to meet with Dr. Vanderbrook, contact Vanderbrook Family Dentistry by dialing (214) 821-5200.