If you’re like most people, your mouth houses more than two dozen teeth. Don’t worry if that sounds like too many to remember; you don’t have to memorize their names or numbers. But if you want to keep track of your dental visits and make sure you don’t miss a cleaning, you need to know how to keep track of your tooth number chart— or at least be able to identify which tooth goes where. Here are some tips on keeping track of your tooth number!
Know What Your Teeth Numbers Are
Most adults have 32 teeth, though people with more or fewer teeth may not experience any problems. If you are concerned about your tooth number, it’s usually a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist. But if you want a rough estimate as to where your own set of teeth falls on the numbered-tooth chart, here’s how you can keep track. Note that depending on which country you live in and what dental care providers used in their records, there may be slight variations in tooth numbering. Here are three ways you can keep track of which tooth is which
Brush Your Teeth
When you brush your teeth, you’re working in sections, cleaning one tooth at a time. Each tooth on your chart has a number. Use that number to determine which tooth in your mouth you should be brushing—it’s as simple as that! You can follow along with any standard numbered tooth chart (of which there are many online) or use our handy-dandy chart here. Alternatively, click here for a special bonus printable version! Once you learn how to keep track of your teeth, it’ll feel like nothing at all!
Floss Each Night
Dental hygiene is a daily process. Don’t forget to floss! Bacteria from leftover food can build up between your teeth throughout the day, and that can lead to cavities, plaque buildup, gingivitis and worse. Flossing regularly helps combat that problem and helps keep your smile sparkling clean. To find out how much space you have in between each tooth, choose a letter on our numbered tooth chart. For example, if you have an M or W gap between your two front teeth—you should be using at least 12 inches of dental floss when you floss every night before bed.
Visit The Dentist Regularly
The first step in keeping track of your teeth is visiting your dentist regularly. Ideally, you should be going twice a year for checkups and cleanings, but every six months is sufficient if money is tight. Pay attention during these visits; your dentist will likely do an assessment and might find something that needs repair or replacement. Additionally, many dental plans pay for preventative care, so you might get free exams or x-rays as a result. That’s definitely something worth celebrating!
Avoid Sugar, Tea, Coffee And Cigarettes
These four types of foods, drinks and products are very detrimental to your teeth. Not only do they stain your teeth, but they also break down your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Make sure you practice good oral hygiene by using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Use an all-natural whitening toothpaste with fluoride and avoid snacking on hard or sticky candies.
