The right smile can leave you laughing, fill you with joy or make you melt with emotion. But, ultimately, the best smile is one that is healthy and strong. Here are some of the “tooth truths” about how tough your teeth really are – and how to keep them that way. Dr. Kurt Hulse and his team focus on family dentistry to ensure you keep your teeth strong and healthy.

1. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body.

The shiny, white enamel that covers your teeth is even stronger than bone. This resilient surface is 96 percent mineral, the highest percentage of any tissue in your body – making it durable and damage-resistant. Keep your teeth healthy with regular visits to the dentist office for cleanings, check-ups and to maintain your overall oral care.  

2. Your bite is powerful!

Did you know your teeth can exert an average of 200 pounds of pressure when you bite down? That’s probably what tempts us to use our teeth as tools from time to time – but as your dentist will remind you, that’s one of the worst habits when it comes to preserving healthy teeth. Using your teeth as a tool can result in cracks or chips requiring a dental crowns, bonding or in extreme cases, an extraction replaced with dental implants.  

3. Teeth can last for hundreds of years.

Thanks to the durability of tooth enamel, our teeth actually outlast us. In fact, some of the most fascinating things we know about human history come from the study of our forebears’ dental remains. For example, we know that the first travelers to leave Africa for China set out as many as 80,000 years ago – and that early humans used a simple form of aspirin for pain relief – thanks to teeth! Using good dental care habits every day by brushing and flossing will help to maintain your teeth and gums!  

4. Strong as they are, teeth can’t heal on their own.

All other tissues in our bodies have the power to repair themselves, but our teeth can’t. When damaged, they must be repaired by a skilled dentist using crowns, bonding, fillings or veneers. When our teeth fall out, the only options are partial or full dentures or dental implants. (Just one more reason to take great care of your teeth every day!)   

5. Healthy teeth have the power to resist decay, but they need our help.

Did you know there are more than 300 kinds of bacteria that can attack your teeth? The good news is that with healthy dental hygiene habits and regular checkups, you can protect your teeth from bacteria and other substances that can weaken teeth and cause decay. Routine visits to your dentist along with good oral hygiene habits can help keep the decay at bay!  

In addition to cleaning and checking your teeth for signs of trouble, the Hulse Dental team can help you learn what food and drink choices are good for your teeth and which ones to avoid. Our professionals at Hulse dental in Onalaska, WI are always ready to help you create a personalized plan to care for your teeth so you can enjoy good dental health for life. To learn more, visit the Hulse dental website, give us a call at 608.783.1306 or email us at KurtHulseDental@gmail.com