What's My Tooth's Function?

It is very important to stay well informed with anything you put your mind to. Whether it is buying a car or changing your hair color, a lot of research and information can go into figuring out exactly what you want and how things are supposed to work. The wonderful thing is that your smile is no different. Sure, we all know that we have teeth, but the different functions of our teeth play a big role in our smile. Dr. Michael Scurti is a big believer in patient education, and he wants you to be as informed as possible with it comes to your teeth.

One type of tooth that resides in your mouth is the incisors. These teeth are the eight that are in the front and center of your mouth, and they are the teeth you use when you take bites of your food. Canines are another type of tooth in your mouth, and these appear between sixteen and twenty months of age. These are the sharpest teeth in your mouth, and they are generally used to tear your food apart.

Premolars are used for chewing and grinding food, and you have four on either side of your mouth. Your premolars start to appear when you are around the age of ten or eleven. Your molars are also used for chewing and grinding food, and these start to appear between twelve and fifteen months of age. The molars erupt around the age of six years old. Lastly, the third molars, also known as your wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to develop and do not erupt until the age of about eighteen to twenty years old. Some people do not even develop their third molars, which eliminates the need to remove them should they cause crowding.

So the next time you find yourself eating something or brushing your teeth, take note of the amazing power your teeth have, and appreciate them for all the hard work they do!

Do not hesitate to call Dr. Scurti’s Verona, New Jersey dental office. We would be happy to answer your questions or schedule or appointment with you. Dr. Scurti serves patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other cities in New Jersey.

Have Fresh Breath for Summer!

With summer making its bright, warm way into our lives, the world of laying by the pool and having outdoor barbeques are rapidly approaching. Celebrating summer means being surrounded by your closes friends and family, meaning people are getting their beach bodies ready and their refreshments cold. With all of the people you will encounter, it is very important you are healthy from the inside out, including your smile! Having fresh breath is an awesome way of making a first impression, and if you suffer from bad breath, also known as halitosis, you may find it difficult to be confident in yourself. Dr. Michael Scurti and the entire Verona Dental Arts team are able to give you some insight as to what causes halitosis, and some ways of fixing the issue.

One of the causes for halitosis is not brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Food particles get stick between your teeth, and if they are left to sit, it causes bacteria growth. An antibacterial mouthwash is a good way of reducing these bacteria, as well as making sure you brush and floss your teeth every day. Also, smoking and/or chewing tobacco-based products causes bad breath, as well as stains your teeth, irritates your gums, and lessens your ability to taste and enjoy your favorite foods. Some of the signs of halitosis are an unrelenting bad taste in your mouth, severe dry mouth, and ill fitting dental appliances.

A few of the ways you can keep you halitosis under control is by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Also, seeing your dentist regularly, stopping smoking and using other tobacco-based produces, keeping a record of the kinds of food you eat, and drinking a lot of water are all sure ways you can be sure you have the freshest breath to celebrate the summer !

Do not hesitate to call Dr. Scurti’s Verona, New Jersey dental office. We would be happy to answer your questions or schedule or appointment with you. Dr. Scurti serves patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other cities in New Jersey.