Let's Talk About Teeth - Dr. McClellan

Dr. McClellan talks about teeth.
1) How many teeth does an average adult have?

An average adult has 28 teeth, assuming wisdom teeth have been removed.

2) Why do we lose our first set of teeth?

The roots of our first set of teeth provide an opening for the permanent teeth to break through. The smaller, first set of teeth are needed to chew food and for proper speech development. They start to develop during pregnancy when the embryo is about six weeks old.

3) What are teeth made of?

The four major tissues that make up a tooth are enamel, dentin, cementum, and dental pulp.

4) How can we tell if we have a cavity?

Initially, you cannot tell if you have a cavity and that is the reason you need to see your dentist every six months. Cavities left untreated lead to pain and sensitivity to hot and cold

5) Why do our teeth get cavities?

Bacteria in your mouth produce acid that breaks down the enamel and dentin and produces holes in your teeth. This damages your tooth structure.

6) What makes teeth sensitive to hot and cold?

Teeth become sensitive to hot and cold when the nerves inside the dentin are exposed to the oral environment. There are several factors that contribute to this such as worn or decayed teeth or exposed roots from gum recession.

7) What is enamel?

Enamel is 96% mineral, and the remaining 4% is water and organic material.

8) What are wisdom teeth? Why do we have wisdom teeth? And why do some people need their wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars. They are called wisdom teeth because they usually appear between 17-21 years of age when it is assumed that you are old enough to have some wisdom. Wisdom teeth, like all other molars, are used for grinding food. Some people need their wisdom teeth removed because they come in sideways affecting other teeth. It is common for wisdom teeth to fail to erupt completely through the gum tissue, and this is called an impacted tooth.

9) What causes teeth to discolor?

As a person ages, the mineral structure of the teeth change and teeth become darker as enamel becomes less porous. Additionally, teeth are stained from food, tobacco products, bacterial pigments and certain antibiotics (such as tetracycline).

10) Are crooked teeth genetic?

Crooked teeth can be genetic but they also can result from other factors such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.

Dr. McClellan Patient Reviews

Dr. McClellan and his staff are committed to providing the highest quality orthodontist services to Illinois residents. Just see what their patients have to say!

Dr. McClellan takes the time each visit to speak to me personally about my child's progress.
-Mary H.

Dr. McClellan is professional, and has a people-person personality. He has made me feel very comfortable about his procedures and the results I can expect from them.
-William H.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Easy to make and reschedule appointments.
-Emily C.

Dr. McClellan is friendly, professional, and informative. I like the fact that he has a calm demeanor.
-Eric J.

He is the best in the area. I have complete faith that he is doing in a minimum amount of time what needs to be done for a lifetime.
-Charles R.

Dr. McClellan Answers Your Tooth Brushing Questions

Everyone knows that it’s important to brush their teeth at least three times a day and floss at least once; but, there are so many different products on the market that sometimes simply brushing your teeth can become a very confusing process!

Here is some information to help you brush up on brushing your teeth:

1. When you are brushing it should take you at least two minutes to thoroughly clean your teeth (that’s one minute for the upper teeth, and one minute for the lower teeth)

2. You should replace your toothbrush every three months.

3. Power toothbrushes often work better than regular toothbrushes, as long as you spend the same amount of time brushing (two minutes).

4. While chewing gum after eating a meal is NOT a substitute for brushing, it can help prevent cavities. Just make sure you’re chewing sugar-free! If you have braces it is not recommended that you chew gum.

5. Mouthwash also helps prevent cavities when brushing is not an option. When you are choosing a mouth wash be sure you choose one with fluoride, and ask Dr. McClellan about how often you should rinse and how much mouth wash you should be using.

6. If you use a mouth wash, it should be used two times a day.

7. Eating mints may make your breath fresh and your mouth feel clean, but what you may not know is that mints can actually hurt your teeth and in some cases cause cavities. If you do eat mints after meals, be sure and choose sugar-free!

8. Brushing and flossing is always the best way to clean your teeth and prevent cavities!

If you have any questions about brushing, flossing, or cavity prevention please contact our practice. Also, please share with us some of your favorite products from toothbrushes, to toothpastes, to dental floss and mouth wash so that other people just like you can start taking care of their smiles!

McClellan Orthodontics Loves to Make Patients Smile!

At McClellan Orthodontics, not only do we love making patients smile, but we also love hearing your stories! We recently received this letter from Joshua about his experience at our office, and we wanted to share his story:

Dear Mart/McClellan Orthodontics,

I wrote and visited your office a couple years back regarding Invisalign treatment unfortunately at that point in my life I wasn't able to move forward with the treatment at that moment.

But I just wanted to take the time out to write you guys and let you know how good of job I think you guys did and continue to do. Since my visit I have relocated to Madison, WI (for the most part) and most recently have been looking around here for Orthodontic treatment without much success. Most of the places out here really just give me the impression that they are out for your money and don't really have a concern about the patients smile.

Mart McClellan has to be the most caring and genuine Orthodontist I have come across in my lifetime that doesn't give the impression that he is just after your money and actually cares about his patients. That in itself is worth more than anything these other Orthodontists are trying to take from their patients. If it was almost practical enough to make the 2 hour 45 min drive from Madison, WI to there for each appointment and get treatment from you guys...I would.

Keep up the good work, I haven't forgot you guys and Dr. McClellan!

-Joshua M.

Do you have your own story about McClellan Orthodontics? We'd love for you to share it with us by leaving a comment!