Image via Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/1AhGNGKuhR0Thank you to guest author Eva Benoit. eva@evabenoit.com

By the time you reach adulthood, you may feel like you know your teeth pretty well. You use them to talk, eat, and smile daily, but there are things about your teeth that may surprise you. RDHAP Connect invites you to read on for 10 facts that you probably didn’t know about your teeth.

Facts About Teeth Grinding

1. Grinding your teeth is known as bruxism. The term comes from “bruxomania,” which was coined in 1907 by Frenchwoman Marie Pietkiewicz.
2. Bruxism affects up to one-third of adults during the day and one in ten adults during sleep. It isn’t a permanent condition and sometimes resolves on its own.
3. Long-term cases of bruxism can lead to damaged tooth enamel, headaches, and other effects.
4. The cause of nocturnal teeth grinding is unknown, but experts believe it is associated with stress and anxiety. Other personality factors (such as aggression and competitiveness) have also been linked to Bruxism.

Facts About Crooked Teeth

1. Straight teeth are good for more than looks. Your teeth are harder to clean if they’re misaligned, which can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Left untreated, this can increase your risk of gum disease. 
2. Teeth can become crooked in adulthood, not just in childhood. This is often caused by the pressure of bruxism or impacted wisdom teeth.
3. Straightening your teeth doesn’t always require braces. An aligner can help your teeth gradually settle into place, making them easier to brush and floss. While in-office treatment may be necessary for severe cases, there are top-rated at-home treatments that can adjust minor alignment comfortably and quickly without a single trip to the dentist. However, before beginning an at-home treatment program, it’s important to see your dentist to determine if more extensive work is required.

Facts About Tooth-strengthening Foods

1. Cheese is one of the best foods for your teeth because it creates a layer that protects them from plaque and acid.
2. Cheese (and other calcium-rich food) helps balance the pH levels in your mouth, making your saliva less acidic and less likely to cause cavities. The calcium and phosphate in dairy strengthen your teeth inside and out.
3. Red wine, coffee, and black tea are high in fluoride and polyphenols, which help fight tooth decay and gum disease. However, they’re also acidic, so be sure to serve them with some cheese!

Knowing more about your teeth can help you take better care of your dental health. And to keep your smile healthy, don’t forget to book routine check-ups and cleanings every six months. If you’re ever worried about your teeth, don’t ignore them. Get in touch with your dentist to make sure that your dental health keeps you grinning.

Are you looking for a dental hygiene provider? Look no further than RDHAP Connect to find a registered dental hygienist in California. More than forty states have privately practicing dental hygienists who can care for patients outside the traditional dental office setting. Visit the American Dental Hygienists’ Association to find a link to the dental hygiene organization in your state.