Sometimes, it can be intimidating when you are lying flat in the dentist’s chair, and you hear murmurs about issues in your incisors or that your molars have a cavity. Of course, you can always ask your dentist to explain what’s going on, but it is still essential to know the basics of your teeth. This short guide will break down the three main types of teeth, so you are never out of the loop in that dentist’s chair.

Incisors 

Usually, incisors are the first adult teeth to grow in after our baby teeth fall out as kids. Incisors make up most of your smile since they are the front four teeth in the top-center and bottom-center. These teeth are much thinner and help when we take an initial bite of food. These teeth are the most prevalent when you smile or talk. They are categorized by central and lateral. Central incisors are the two front teeth, and lateral incisors are adjacent to the central teeth. 

Canines 

Also known as Cuspids, canines are the sharp, pointed teeth on either side of our incisors. These teeth are used to tear and rip food apart. You have four cuspids in your mouth. Two on top and two on the bottom. These are the longest and sharpest teeth, with a pointed end, and some people even refer to it as our “vampire teeth.” These teeth are used as guides for the best biting position.

Molars  

Molars are the primary teeth for chewing, and there are different types of molars to distinguish. Molars are positioned further back in your mouth and have a flat surface used to eat food into small pieces. There are 12 molars, which include your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come into the mouth, and many get their wisdom teeth removed because they can cause issues in the jaw. Premolars sit next to your canine teeth and are the first molar teeth to come in. There are eight premolars, and they are also called bicuspids. 

Now that you are more familiar with the function of your teeth, you might feel more comfortable when you head to the dentist and are actually able to understand what your dentist is saying to you. Make sure to come to visit us at Cakmes Dental Studio, where we will clean your teeth, make sure each and every tooth is working correctly, and ensure that your smile is sparkling!

Soda. It’s a popular beverage among so many men and women of all ages, but do you know the real effect it has on your teeth? Of course, we have all heard “it’s bad” and causes cavities, but what else is there to it that makes soda so detrimental to your dental health? Let’s take a deeper look to find out. 

Many people believe that the acid on the ingredients list on a soda bottle is the only acid that dental professionals warn about when discussing acid-induced decay from drinking too much soda. However, there is actually much more to that. When soda reaches your mouth, it reacts to certain chemicals and bacteria that reside there and actually produce acid that harms your teeth even more. So, not only are your teeth being harmed by the acids already in the soda, but they are also being harmed by acid created in this chemical reaction right inside your mouth. It’s a double whammy. 

The two main concerns with drinking soda and maintaining dental health are cavities and erosion. Cavities are much more likely to be prevalent in people who consume a lot of soda because the sugars and acids in soda break down dentin in your teeth which is essentially what protects your teeth from cavities and other issues. However, soft drink damage always starts at the enamel, and this is where erosion begins. Once your enamel is broken down too significantly from the acids and sugars in soda, it is very difficult to rebuild it, and your teeth will be much more susceptible to future problematic dental issues like decay.

The evident solution here is to not drink soda, but we understand that sometimes a pizza, burger and fries, or popcorn just isn’t the same without your favorite soda. Our advice to you is to consume soda in a moderate manner if you are going to drink it. Being careful and drinking soda in moderation won’t be detrimental to your dental health. So, here are some tips to help preserve your pearly whites if you have to have a soda every now and then.

1. 1. Rinse your mouth with water after you drink a soda to wash away excess sugars and acids that are sitting on your teeth.
   2. Don’t drink soda before going to sleep, but if you do, be sure to brush your teeth after.
   3. Drink soda through a straw to eliminate a lot of the contact it has with your teeth. 

Whether you are a soda drinker or not, you need to have your teeth cleaned regularly! If it has been a while, contact Cakmes Dental Studio today to get your appointment set up. We look forward to seeing you.