This guide addresses some frequently asked questions about dental health, providing clear and concise answers to help you better understand your teeth and oral care.

What Are Teeth Made Of?

Teeth are complex structures composed of several layers:

Enamel: The outermost layer, enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It’s a highly mineralized material that protects the more sensitive inner layers.
Dentin: Beneath the enamel lies dentin, a yellowish, bone-like material that’s softer than enamel. It makes up the bulk of the tooth.
Pulp: The innermost part of the tooth, the pulp, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It provides nourishment and sensation to the tooth.
Cementum: This bone-like substance covers the tooth root and helps anchor the tooth to the jawbone via the periodontal ligament.

What’s the Difference Between a Dental Hygienist and a Dentist?

Both dental hygienists and dentists are crucial members of your oral healthcare team, but they have different roles and training:

Dentist: A dentist is a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) or dental surgery (DDS) who has completed extensive education and training. Dentists diagnose and treat oral diseases, perform restorative procedures (fillings, crowns, root canals, etc.), and can prescribe medications.
Dental Hygienist: A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who focuses on preventive care. They are trained to clean teeth (including scaling and root planing), apply sealants, take X-rays, provide fluoride treatments, and educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques.

What is the Purpose of Tooth Polishing?

Tooth polishing is typically the final step in a professional dental cleaning. A dental hygienist uses a mildly abrasive polishing paste and a soft rubber cup to remove surface stains and smooth the tooth surface. This not only makes your teeth feel cleaner but also helps to prevent bacteria from easily adhering to them. It’s important to note that the polish is gentle and does not damage the enamel.

Why is Fluoride Beneficial for Teeth?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a vital role in preventing tooth decay. It works by:

Strengthening Enamel: Fluoride incorporates into the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria.
Remineralization: Fluoride can help repair early signs of tooth decay by promoting the remineralization of enamel.
This is good for childrem.

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Not necessarily. Wisdom teeth (third molars) removal is determined on a case-by-case basis. A dentist will evaluate several factors:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth: If wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck beneath the gum or bone), they often need to be removed to prevent pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
Space Availability: If there’s not enough room in the jaw for wisdom teeth to erupt properly, they can cause crowding and misalignment of other teeth.
Healthy Eruption: If wisdom teeth erupt fully, are positioned correctly, and can be cleaned effectively, they may not need to be removed.
Consult with the dentist for the best course of action.

By Alexander Ash, DDS

Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.