Know anything about teeth?

**slleipnir** · 05-10-2006, 06:47 PM

I think I'm going to the dentist soon anyway, so it doesn't really matter. But I kinda want to know anyway, if anyone here knows.

Some of my teeth have this little yellowish line right below the gums. Mostly my back teeth. However, I noticed it on the backs of my lower front teeth today. It worries me. Any idea what it is, or how I can get rid of it? I brush my teeth atleast once a day...I do floss, but not as much as I should

**Karen** · 05-10-2006, 06:54 PM

Probably tartar, which they'll scrape off at a cleaning.

A dentist told me a long time ago that most people brush thier teeth too quickly - as in, a quick once-over. She said a person should spend at least a minute on the actual brushing of the teeth, which I try to pay attention to when I'm awake enough when brushing my teeth.

**Jessika** · 05-10-2006, 06:55 PM

It can be just discoloration or something else.. I forget what its called.. something like, calcium deposits (but that's not it.. I don't believe). I used to have a yellow "stain" on one of my front teeth that wouldn't go away, no matter what I did.

You can try some whitening toothpaste.

**slleipnir** · 05-10-2006, 07:01 PM

It doesn't seem to "scrape off". And on the back of the front teeth, it almost feels like there is something in between my teeth, which is annoying. It was there the last time I went to the dentist and they just told me I needed to floss more (didn't mention the spots/stains/whatever they are)

**Jessika** · 05-10-2006, 07:03 PM

Well if its a stain then it won't necessarily "scrape off". Sometimes teeth just become... discolored. HJ has the same problem. Whitening toothpaste helps a little!

**Karen** · 05-10-2006, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by slleipnir

It doesn't seem to "scrape off". And on the back of the front teeth, it almost feels like there is something in between my teeth, which is annoying. It was there the last time I went to the dentist and they just told me I needed to floss more (didn't mention the spots/stains/whatever they are)

The dentist uses specialized tools to scrape the tartar off. It's not something you could scrape off with a fingernail or anything, and you don't want to use anything else, so you don't damage the tooth's enamel.

Ask your dentist if you should be using a tartar-control toothpaste when you go.

**slleipnir** · 05-10-2006, 08:11 PM

Thanks. I hope that's all it is. I think my next appt is late summer/early fall...I might just wait to ask then. For now, I gotta floss more

**lv4dogs** · 05-11-2006, 09:01 AM

My brother has "lines" in some of his teeth, his dentist said it was too much sugary foods & liquids. His dentist told him to cut back on sodas & juices.