Teeth for Life
Teeth for Life in Providence, RI
Practicing good oral hygiene means maintaining your smile by visiting the dentist regularly and taking care of your teeth and gums between checkups. Our practice wants to make sure that you get the most out of your office visits, and that your teeth stay healthy for life! We'll work with you to provide complete dental care, and show you how to maintain your smile at home with the right dental products for you and your family.
Dental Cleanings and Regular Checkups
Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your regular checkup, your hygienist will:
- Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
- Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
- Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
- Provide a thorough teeth cleaning, rinse, and polish
Visiting the dentist every six months gives you the chance to talk with your doctor and receive answers for any questions you may have about your oral health. Checkups are also a great way for you to find out about new treatments that may benefit your smile.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste and Toothbrush
From toothpaste and mouthwash to toothbrushes and dental floss, it's important to choose the right products for your smile. Keep in mind that when you're looking for a new toothpaste or toothbrush, be sure to choose one that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Your dentist can also help by recommending certain dental products for use at home.
Did you know that at birth, people already have 20 primary (baby) teeth that begin erupting after six months, and that by age 21, there are no more primary teeth, and all 32 permanent teeth have erupted?
Anatomy of a Tooth
- Bone: The "alveolar" bone contains the tooth roots. It forms the tooth socket and provides the tooth with support.
- Cementum: A layer of tough, yellowish, bone-like tissue that covers the root of the tooth. It helps hold the tooth in the socket. The cementum attaches the tooth to the bone by a network of fibers known as the periodontal ligament.
- Dentin: The hard but porous tissue located under both the enamel and cementum of the tooth. Dentin is similar to, but harder than, bone.
- Enamel: The tough, shiny, "white" outer surface of the tooth that is visible. Enamel is actually translucent and reflects the color of the dentin which is under it. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body.
- Gingiva (gums): The firm, pink flesh that covers the bones and surrounds the teeth.
- Periodontal ligament: The fibrous tissue between the tooth and the tooth socket. It holds the tooth in place.
- Pulp (nerve): The soft center of the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves; it nourishes the dentin.
Tooth Eruption Chart
Primary Teeth
- Age 8-12 months: Primary upper incisors erupt. Age 9-16 months: Upper lateral incisors erupt.- Age 16-22 months: Upper canines erupt. Age 13-19 months: Upper first molars erupt. Age 25-33 months: Upper second molars erupt.-
- Age 23-31 months: Lower second molars erupt.
- Age 14-18 months: Lower first molars erupt.-
- Age 17-23 months: Lower canines erupt.- Age 9-16 months: Lower lateral incisors erupt.- Age 6-10 months: Primary lower incisors erupt.
Tooth Eruption Chart
Adult Teeth
- Age 7-8 years: Upper central incisors erupt. -Age 8-9 years: Upper lateral incisors erupt.
- Age 11-12 years: Upper canines erupt.
- Age 10-12 years: Upper first and second premolars erupt.
- Age 6-7 years: Upper first molars erupt.
- Age 11-13 years: Upper second molars erupt.
- Age 17-21 years: Upper and lower third molars (wisdom teeth) erupt.
- Age 11-13 years: Lower second molars erupt.
- Age 6-7 years: Lower first molar erupts.
- Age 10-12 years: Lower first and second premolars erupt.
- Age 9-10 years: Lower canines erupt.
- Age 7-8 years: Lower lateral incisors erupt.
- Age 6-7 years: Lower central incisors erupt.
