Teeth are amazing! Without teeth, we wouldn’t be able to eat, speak, sing and smile properly. But most people don’t know much about the teeth. There is a lot more to teeth than meets the eye. If you give careful thought to your teeth and understand what they are meant for, you will be able to take proper care of your teeth and keep them strong and healthy. Here are ten fascinating facts about your teeth that you didn’t know:
1. The tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body
Your teeth may be just bones, but they are the hardest substance in your body. They have to be strong so you can chew food and begin the process of digestion. The tooth enamel which is the outermost layer of the tooth is made of phosphate and calcium along with proteins that make it stronger. It is because of this strong enamel that our teeth don’t break. This is why it is necessary to brush regularly and protect the enamel.
2. Teeth are unique like fingerprints
Did you know that your teeth could be used to identify you? The cavities, size, shape and positions of your teeth are unique. Every person has a different bite. This is why you should never compare your smile to anyone else. Your teeth are unique and special.
3. Your teeth cannot heal themselves
Your teeth are the only part of your body that cannot heal themselves. Unlike your skin or hair that regrow, your teeth do not have the ability to heal injuries. This is why you need to make sure that your teeth are not affected in any way.
4. Your teeth are partly hidden beneath the surface
There is a reason why it is important to keep your gums healthy. About one-third of the teeth are actually hidden beneath the gums, supporting your teeth so they remain sturdy. This is why it is essential to ensure that your gums are always firm and pink in color.
5. You already have teeth when you are born
Babies start their life with a gummy smile. But this does not mean that they do not have teeth. Babies already have teeth beneath the surface of their gums. These eventually break through and become visible during teething.
6. Humans get only two set of teeth
Sharks and several other animals shed and re-grow their teeth at least once every year. But humans get only two sets of teeth. The first one is milk teeth that grow in babies and fall out throughout childhood. The other set in the adult or permanent teeth that last throughout life. Wisdom teeth are also considered to be a part of the adult teeth.
7. Humans have four distinct types of teeth
Carnivores and herbivores have just one or two different types of teeth. On the other hand, humans are omnivores and have evolves to have four kinds of teeth to fully grind and chew food before it exits the mouth and goes to the stomach. The four different types of teeth include – canines, molars, premolars and incisors. All these have different roles attributed such as tearing food, grinding food, mashing and cutting. Without these, you will not be able to eat the different types of food you enjoy.
8. You will spend about a month brushing through your life
If you add the time you spend brushing throughout your life, it will amount to something about 38 days! While this may seem like a lot in the beginning, it is definitely worth it to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Only then will you be able to avoid complex treatments and maintain a beautiful smile lifelong.
9. Your teeth have a layer called the dentin below the enamel
Below the teeth enamel, there is a layer called dentin. This continues to grow throughout your life. It constitutes microscopic tunnels that pass signals and tunnels to all parts of your tooth. This layer of your tooth is also strong, but weaker as compared to the enamel.
10. Your mouth can have upto 300 species of bacteria
Plaque accumulates naturally in your teeth when you don’t brush properly. This plaque can have about 300 species of bacteria. Some of these feed on sugar from your food and release acids that can harm your teeth and enamel. If the plaque continues to accumulate, your nerves may get infected necessitating root canal treatment in Dallas TX.
Your teeth are an important part of your body that you need to take proper care of. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is important to ensure you have a healthy and beautiful smile. A dentist near you in Duncanville TX can help you maintain good oral health.
