7 SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT TEETH YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW
Your teeth are one of the most important parts of your body – they help you to eat, talk and smile. But how much do you really know about them? Here are 7 fascinating facts about teeth that may surprise you!
1. Your teeth are as strong as diamonds
The hardest substance in your body is tooth enamel. It’s made up of minerals, including phosphate and calcium, which give it a similar hardness to diamonds. This makes your teeth well-equipped to handle the daily rigors of biting and chewing. However, it’s important to take care of your teeth and visit the dentist regularly to ensure that they stay healthy and strong.
2. You have more than just adult teeth and you would never guess the last ones to “arrive”
You actually start out with 20 baby teeth (also called primary teeth), which begin to come in around 6 months old. These eventually fall out to make way for your 32 adult teeth.
Did you know that your wisdom teeth are your third molars and are the last teeth to come in? They usually appear in your late teens or early twenties. Not everyone gets wisdom teeth, but if you do, they will likely need to be removed by a dentist.
3. Your teeth can show signs of your overall health and that is why the mouth is known as “the window of the body”
Your teeth can reveal a lot about your health, including Vitamin D deficiency, anemia, and even heart disease. That’s because the minerals in your teeth can be affected by various health conditions.
Here are a few things that your teeth can reveal about your health:
- If you have vitamin D deficiency, your teeth may be softer than normal and more susceptible to cavities.
- If you have anemia, your teeth may be more likely to break or chip.
- If you have heart disease, your gums may be more likely to bleed.
While these are just a few examples, it’s clear that your teeth can give you important clues about your health. So, if you’re concerned about your overall health, be sure to pay attention to your teeth and visit your dentist regularly.
4. Your teeth are unique
Your teeth are unique just like your fingerprint. No two people have the same teeth, and even identical twins have different dental patterns. Your teeth are also one of the first things people notice about you, so it’s important to take care of them and keep them looking their best.
Here are some tips for taking care of your teeth:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. This will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and can help prevent problems like cavities and gum disease.
- Eat a healthy diet. A balanced diet is good for your overall health, and it’s also good for your teeth. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods. Sugar can cause cavities, while acidic foods can wear away the enamel on your teeth.
By following these tips, you can help keep your teeth healthy and looking their best.
5. You should brush your tongue too
Did you know that you should brush your tongue too? That’s right – in addition to brushing your teeth, you should also give your tongue a good scrub. Here’s why:
Your tongue is home to millions of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are beneficial, but many are harmful. When harmful bacteria build up on your tongue, they can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Brushing your tongue helps remove these harmful bacteria and keeps your mouth clean and healthy. So the next time you brush your teeth, don’t forget to give your tongue a good scrub too!
6. You use more than 25% of your teeth when you eat
You may not realize it, but you use more than 25% of your teeth when you eat. That’s because the act of chewing requires the use of all your teeth, not just the front ones. So, if you’re missing even one tooth, it can make a big difference in how well you’re able to chew your food.
In addition to the obvious difficulties with chewing, missing teeth can also lead to problems with your digestion. That’s because food that isn’t properly chewed can be more difficult for your stomach to break down. This can lead to indigestion, heartburn, and other digestive problems.
If you’re missing teeth, there are a few different options for replacing them. Dental implants are usually the most popular option, as they look and function just like natural teeth. Another option is to wear a cemented or fixed bridge or when necessary, a removable denture is also an option.
No matter what option you choose, it’s important to replace your missing teeth as soon as possible. Not only will it help you to chew your food properly, but it can also help to prevent other problems with your digestion.
7. Teeth are the only part of the human body that can’t repair themselves
Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot grow back. This is why it’s so important to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for periodic checkups and cleanings. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it’s still susceptible to damage from acids, bacteria, and grinding. When it’s damaged, the tooth can become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and more susceptible to decay.
If you suspect you have a chipped or cracked tooth, be sure to see your dentist immediately. They can assess the damage and recommend the best course of treatment. Taking care of your teeth is an important part of maintaining your overall health, so make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep them healthy and strong.
We hope you found these facts about teeth interesting! Remember to take care of your teeth and visit the dentist regularly. Here at the Dental Care Group, your oral health is our number one priority! We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about your teeth. Give us a call today!
The Dental Care Group is a full-service dental practice that has been serving the South Florida community for 50 years. We offer a wide range of services, from preventive care to complex restorative, Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry. Our team of experienced and skilled professionals is dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality of care. We offer convenient office hours and accept most major insurance plans.
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