What happens in a dental check up

A dental check-up appointment, also known as a dental examination or dental check-up, is a routine visit to a dentist for the purpose of assessing and maintaining your oral health. These appointments are typically recommended every six months but can vary depending on your individual dental needs. Here's what typically happens during a dental check-up:

1. **Medical History Review:** At the beginning of the appointment, the dental staff will review your medical history, including any changes in your health, medications, or allergies. This information can help the dentist understand your overall health and how it may relate to your oral health.

2. **Dental X-Rays:** In some cases, the dentist may take dental X-rays, also known as radiographs. X-rays provide a detailed view of your teeth, gums, and underlying bone structure, helping the dentist identify issues that may not be visible during a visual examination.

3. **Visual Examination:** The dentist will visually inspect your mouth, teeth, and gums. They will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental issues. They may use a mirror and dental instruments to get a closer look at hard-to-reach areas.

4. **Gum Health Assessment:** The health of your gums is a crucial aspect of oral health. The dentist will check for signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, bleeding, or pocketing between the teeth and gums.

5. **Dental Cleaning:** A dental hygienist or dental assistant may perform a dental cleaning (dental prophylaxis) during the check-up. This involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease. They will also polish your teeth to remove surface stains.

6. **Oral Health Education:** The dental team will provide oral hygiene instructions, offering guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques. They may also discuss dietary habits and lifestyle factors that can impact your oral health.

7. **Treatment Plan:** If any dental issues are identified during the examination, the dentist will discuss treatment options with you. This could include recommendations for fillings, crowns, periodontal treatment, or other dental procedures. They will explain the benefits, risks, and costs associated with each treatment option.

8. **Preventive Measures:** Depending on your oral health needs, the dentist may recommend preventive measures such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants to protect your teeth from decay.

9. **Future Appointments:** If additional dental work is required, the dentist will schedule follow-up appointments for treatment. Routine check-ups are also scheduled for the future, usually every six months, to monitor your oral health.

10. **Questions and Concerns:** This is an opportunity for you to ask questions or express any concerns you may have about your oral health or dental care routine.

Regular dental check-up appointments are essential for catching dental issues early, preventing dental problems, and maintaining optimal oral health. By attending these appointments and following your dentist’s recommendations, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.

All about tooth dentine

Dentine is a key tissue that makes up the bulk of a tooth.

Here's an overview of everything you need to know about dentine:

1. Location and Structure:

- Dentine is located beneath the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) and above the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels).

- It is a porous, yellowish tissue and is softer than enamel but harder than bone.

2. Composition:

- Dentine is composed of about 70% inorganic materials (mainly hydroxyapatite, which is a crystalline calcium phosphate), 20% organic materials (primarily collagen), and 10% water.

- This composition makes it less hard than enamel but still very durable.

3. Function:

- Dentine provides the majority of the tooth's structure and protects the pulp.

- It supports the enamel and absorbs the pressures and stresses of chewing, helping prevent damage to the more fragile pulp inside.

4. Dental Tubules:

- Dentine contains millions of tiny canals or tubules that run from the outside of the tooth to the nerve in the center. These tubules can transmit sensations, such as pain or temperature changes, to the nerve.

5. Secondary and Tertiary Dentine:

- Secondary dentine is formed throughout life at a much slower rate than primary dentine and can be a response to stimuli, such as wear or minor tooth decay.

- Tertiary dentine (or reparative dentine) forms in response to a stimulus, such as tooth decay or trauma, to protect the pulp.

6. Sensitivity:

- When dentine is exposed due to enamel erosion or receding gums, it can lead to tooth sensitivity. This is because the tubules allow heat, cold, or acidic substances to reach the nerves inside the tooth.

7. Role in Dental Treatments:

- Understanding of dentine is important in various dental treatments like fillings, root canals, and crowns. When decay reaches the dentine, it often requires a filling or other restorative treatment.

8. Remineralisation:

- Dentine, like enamel, can undergo a process of remineralisation. Fluoride treatments, good oral hygiene, and a diet rich in minerals can help remineralise and strengthen dentine.

9. Dentine and Tooth Colour:

- The natural colour of dentine can significantly influence the overall colour of a tooth. Thinner enamel can make a tooth appear more yellow due to the underlying dentine.

Dentine is vital for the structural integrity and function of teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are crucial for protecting both the dentine and the overall health of teeth.

How strong are teeth

The strength of a tooth can be described in terms of its resistance to various forces and pressures encountered in the mouth. Teeth are remarkably strong and durable, primarily due to their unique structure and composition. Here are some aspects that illustrate the strength of a tooth:

1. Enamel Strength:

- The outermost layer of a tooth, the enamel, is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in the human body.

- Enamel is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite, a crystalline structure made of calcium and phosphate, making it highly resistant to wear and tear.

- The hardness of enamel on the Mohs scale, which measures the hardness of minerals, is around 5, which is similar to steel. However, enamel is brittle and can crack under certain conditions.

2. Bite Force:

- Human bite force varies between individuals but typically ranges from 100 to 200 pounds per square inch (psi) in the molars, which are used for grinding food.

- Some research suggests that the maximum bite force can be even higher, up to around 260 psi or more.

3. Resistance to Pressure:

- Teeth can endure a considerable amount of pressure, which is necessary for efficient chewing and grinding of food.

- The design and alignment of teeth, along with the strength of the jaw muscles, contribute to this ability.

4. Durability:

- Teeth are designed to last a lifetime, enduring years of biting and chewing. The wear rate of teeth is relatively slow due to the hardness of enamel.

5. Limitations:

- Despite their strength, teeth are not indestructible. They can be damaged by excessive forces, such as those from teeth grinding (bruxism) or from biting on very hard objects.

- Acid erosion from foods and beverages, as well as acid produced by bacteria in plaque, can weaken teeth over time.

- Cavities and tooth decay can compromise the integrity and strength of a tooth.

Overall, teeth are incredibly strong and efficient for their function in biting and chewing. However, they still require proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, to maintain their strength and health throughout a person's life.