Fluoride - your hero for dental protection
Let's talk about fluoride - it's practically the must-have for healthy teeth! But what is fluoride actually?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that the body needs primarily to build teeth and bones. To keep your teeth strong and healthy, our Licor del Polo toothpastes contain the fluoride content recommended by dentists.
That's not enough information for you? Then we have a few more facts for you here:
- Enamel booster: Fluoride helps to harden your enamel - the hard outer layer of your teeth (more on this later). This means less chance of cavities, those pesky little holes that nobody wants.
- Cavity killer: Not only does it make your enamel harder, it also helps to keep the bacteria in your mouth at bay. These bacteria love sugar and produce acid that attacks your teeth. Fluoride fights against this acid.
- Remineralization: If your enamel develops small weak spots, fluoride can "repair" them before they become real problems.
Enamel - the bodyguard of your teeth
Fun fact: Tooth enamel is the hardest material in your body, even harder than your bones. But what exactly is tooth enamel and why is it so important? Enamel is the super hard, outer layer of your teeth and acts as follows:
- as a protective shield: enamel protects your teeth from everything you do to them - from crunchy snacks to sour sodas. Without it, your teeth would be pretty much defenceless.
- As a caries defense: It keeps the nasty caries bacteria at bay. These little pests love sugar and produce acids that attack your teeth. Enamel fends off these attacks.
- When chewing and biting: Thanks to tooth enamel, you can enjoy biting into your favorite burger or nibbling on crunchy apples without damaging your teeth.
Sounds like your bodyguard for your teeth? That's what we said! But beware, even bodyguards have a bad day, so your enamel is not invulnerable despite its hardness. Here are a few tips to protect your enamel:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Use fluoride
- Reduce sugar to reduce acid attacks
- Avoid acids
All in all, if you treat your enamel like a bro, it will keep your smile strong and bright!
Dental anatomy: your tooth check
Dental anatomy sounds complicated, but it's just another word for the blueprint of your teeth. A tooth is made up of several layers and parts that all work together to allow you to chew, speak and smile:
- Enamel: The hard bodyguard we already know. It protects the underlying layers from damage.
- Dentin (dentin): Beneath the enamel lies the dentin. It is somewhat softer and has tiny channels that lead to the nerves. This is where it becomes sensitive if the enamel is damaged.
- Pulp (dental pulp): Inside the tooth is the pulp, which consists of nerves and blood vessels. It keeps the tooth alive and supplies it with nutrients.
- Crown: The visible part of the tooth above the gum. The crown is covered with enamel and is the first line of defense against decay and wear.
- Cervical: The area where the tooth protrudes from the gum.
- Gum line: The edge of the gum that surrounds and protects the neck of the tooth. Healthy gums keep bacteria away and support dental health.
- Root: It anchors the tooth firmly in the jawbone. The root is covered with dental cement, which protects it and connects it to the jaw.
Tooth shapes: Your dream team in the mouth
Now that we know how a tooth is constructed, let's take a look at the different tooth shapes. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific job, and together they are the ultimate team that allows you to eat, speak and smile:
- Incisors (Incisivi): These are the eight teeth at the front of the mouth (four on top, four on the bottom). They are sharp and chisel-shaped, perfect for biting off food.
- Canines (Canini): These four teeth are the rippers in your mouth. They are sharp and strong, ideal for tearing food.
- Front molars (premolars): Just behind the canines, you'll find the premolars. These eight teeth have two cusps and are great for crushing and chewing food.
- Back molars (molars): At the very back of the mouth are the molars. These twelve teeth (including wisdom teeth) are wide and have several cusps, perfect for thoroughly chewing and grinding food.
So, do you still have all 32 teeth?
