When you look in the mirror, you’re used to seeing your own smile. It’s been looking back at you for your entire life, so you’re likely accustomed to its many subtle nuances. Sometimes, you’ll find that you suddenly wonder about something you’ve seen a million times and will wonder if there’s something wrong with your oral health. Other times, you may compare your smile to someone else’s or you may open your mouth wide and see stuff in your reflection that’s shocking! If “what is that?” is a recent question, feel free to ask us about your anatomy during visits! For now, let’s cover some common details.
They’re Mamelons
If you’re suddenly wondering why the chewing edges of some of your teeth aren’t perfectly smooth but instead display indentations (or you may think of them as ridges), then you’re probably looking at something that’s been there since your teeth first came in. They’re referred to as mamelons. They’re harmless to your oral health. They arrived when your teeth formed and, unlike some patients whose top and bottom teeth touch and wear them down, they never went away! We can remove them if you’d like.
It’s Your Uvula
What’s that ball thing that hangs in the back of your mouth, you wonder? Does it serve some function to your oral health or not? That structure you’re seeing is called your uvula. It’s in the middle of your soft palate and it does do something important! First, it helps produce saliva, which you need for many reasons (to keep your smile healthy, so you can eat and digest food, etc.). It also helps to block your nasal passages, so when you swallow, the food does not accidentally go up!
Learn About The Structure Of Your Mouth During Visits
Come in today to learn more about what’s happening with your smile and its structure, while you receive your checkup. We can fill you in on all of the information you need. Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
