Tooth Truth or Mouth Myth?
“I’ve heard people say that they have ‘soft’ teeth and that’s why they tend to get a lot of cavities? Is there any truth in this statement?”
Okay, myth-bustin’ Dakota Dental Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett, is this a Tooth Truth or a Mouth Myth?
Soft teeth are a Mouth Myth.
The Tooth Truth is that people do not have soft teeth. In fact, the enamel that covers the part of your teeth above the gum line is the hardest substance in your whole body – even harder than your bones!
Teeth are hard because of a crystal molecule they contain called “hydroxyapatite”. Hydroxyapatite is what makes teeth and bones resistant to bending or compressing. Your teeth are harder than your bones because the outer layer of enamel contains more hydroxyapatite than anything else in your body.
This hard tooth enamel is a non-living substance. Because it contains no living cells, your tooth enamel cannot repair damage from decay or from wear. Only a dentist can correct these problems with proper dental services.
It’s not tooth softness that causes cavities—in fact, cavities are formed when acid produced by bacteria dissolves your hard tooth enamel. This missing enamel creates a ‘soft spot’ in the tooth which is the cavity. But the tooth itself is not soft.
It’s true that some people can be more susceptible to cavities – but not because their teeth are soft. People may have more susceptibility to cavities because of a mix of genetics, what they eat, medical problems and medications they take. But even with these factors, it’s important to know that cavities are very preventable!
No one should resign themselves to the belief that they’re just destined to suffer from cavities and dental problems. Good oral hygiene habits and the preventative dental procedures provided by Dakota Dental Apple Valley Family Dentistry work together to stop those ‘soft spots’ (A.K.A. cavities) from forming on teeth.
The caring and gentle, preventative dental work, general dental services and emergency dental treatment we provide may leave you with a ‘soft spot’ on your heart for your Dakota Dental Apple Valley dentists – but never a ‘soft spot’ on your teeth!
Don’t forget to schedule your next checkup 952-431-5774
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