Don’t let summer break be an excuse to stop learning! Keep your mind sharp with these ten fun oral health facts you may not have known about your amazing, wonderful teeth!
Enamel is The Hardest Substance in the Body
Your bones are hard, but did you know that the tough outer layer of your teeth known as the enamel is actually harder? In fact, it’s the hardest substance in the human body, and can handle up to 200 pounds of pressure when biting down!
You Spend Around One Day a Year Brushing Your Teeth
Your dentist recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. Though that may not seem like a lot, it really adds up. In fact, every 365 days (one year) you’ll rack up a little over 24 hours of brushing!
Changes in Your Dentin Can Discolor Your Teeth
Though your teeth can become stained with time, another culprit for discoloration is your dentin. Dentin is the layer of the tooth just below the enamel, and it can change shades due to a variety of things including dental treatments like root canals. Even though your enamel is what you see when you look at your tooth, darkened dentin can sometimes show through the enamel, making the tooth look yellow, brown, or even gray!
The Ability to Feel Cold Can Determine If They’re Alive
Your teeth contain tiny nerves and vessels that are sensitive to heat and cold. If you find that your teeth no longer react to cold stimuli, it could be a sign that the tooth nerves are dead. This may occur due to a tooth infection, and it is an important indication that you need to see your dentist as soon as possible!
Your Teeth Cannot Self-Heal
Unlike your bones and soft tissues, your teeth are not self-healing. Many people erroneously assume that teeth are bones, but they are not. That’s why when you chip a tooth, have a cavity, or develop a tooth infection your dentist must take action to repair it. Otherwise, the problem could get worse and could eventually result in a tooth extraction!
Plaque Could Contain Up to 300 Species of Bacteria
Plaque is that hard to remove buildup that sits on your teeth and hardens into tartar. It contains particles of food as well as up to 300 (yes, you read that right) different species of bacteria! These nasty little invaders can cause everything from cavities to gum infections. This is why brushing and flossing regularly is so important!
You Can Have Up to Six Wisdom Teeth
While many people get four wisdom teeth, some people can get up to six. Weirder still, you can also have only one, two, or even three. Wisdom teeth used to grow in to replace worn down permanent teeth of our early ancestors, but due to our smaller jaws and modern oral hygiene practices and diets, we no longer need them. Though sometimes they don’t cause problems and can stay put, in many cases they grow sideways, cause crowding, and can be very painful and must be removed.
Toothpaste Should Be Spit Out, But Not Rinsed Off
When brushing your teeth, you should never swallow your toothpaste, but you don’t need to rinse it away completely, either. That’s because it contains important things like fluoride that can help strengthen your tooth enamel and lower your risk of cavities. Plus, it makes your breath smell fresh, too. So don’t worry about rinsing your mouth after you’re done brushing. Just spit out your excess toothpaste and continue to enjoy its protective benefits until you wash it away naturally with saliva or by eating or drinking.
You Make 10,000 Gallons of Saliva Over a Lifetime
Your body creates approximately one quart of saliva per day, which when you add it all up equates to 10,000 gallons over a lifetime! Saliva is an important element in your oral health; it doesn’t just keep your mouth hydrated, it also washes away your food and neutralizes plaque acid that causes cavities and tooth decay.
All Teeth Are Unique – Even in Identical Twins
Your teeth are as individual as your fingerprints, and that’s true for identical twins, too. In fact, that’s why dental records are used to solve crimes. Because nobody has a bite quite like yours!
Now that you know these ten fun facts about your mouth, go share your smarts with your friends, and don’t forget to keep your teeth and gums healthy by scheduling your biannual exam and cleaning with your favorite dentist!
About Our Practice
At Cromer & Cairns Dental, our trio of talented and caring dentists believe that an educated patient is a healthier, happier patient, because the more you know about protecting your smile, the better prepared you’ll be to do it. If its time for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning, book now by visiting our website or calling our friendly office team at 772-562-5051.