You use your teeth all throughout the day. You use them to chew your food, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Daily life would be difficult without them. Despite this, you probably don’t think about your teeth that often. Dental care has advanced significantly in the last century, and we have learned a lot about teeth since then. Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about teeth that might be surprising.
Your Smile Is One-of-a-Kind
Just like your fingerprints, there isn’t anyone else in the world who has a smile just like yours. Even if you have an identical twin, there are going to be some differences to distinguish your smiles from each other’s. That’s why dental records can be used to identify human remains and even solve crimes. Your tongue also has a print that is completely unique to you.
You Get Additional Teeth as an Adult
As a child, you start out with 20 baby teeth. However, as your permanent teeth erupt, you gain several more to fill your adult mouth. If you haven’t had any permanent teeth fall our extracted, you likely have 32 teeth in total. If you have had your wisdom teeth removed, you are looking at 28.
Tooth Enamel Doesn’t Grow Back
Broken skin can heal, nails and hair grow back, and fractured bones can repair themselves, but tooth enamel cannot regrow. Since it isn’t living tissue, it cannot be regenerated. That’s why it’s so important that you take steps now to keep your enamel strong and healthy.
Teeth Are Like Icebergs
When you smile in the mirror, you are only seeing the surface of the teeth. In fact, about a third of each of your teeth Is underneath the gum tissue. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your gums are in good health. They should be pink and firm.
You Make a Lot of Saliva
Every single day, your body produces about a quart of saliva. When you add it all up, you make approximately 10000 gallons in a lifetime. This is enough to fill a small swimming pool. Saliva makes it easier for you to swallow food, and it contains enzymes that jumpstart digestion. It also helps to wash away food particles and neutralize harmful acids in the mouth.
Some Oral Bacteria Are Good
The plaque in your mouth is home to about 200 to 300 different species of bacteria. The one that is usually the culprit for poor tooth health is called Streptococcus mutans. This converts sugar into acids which eat away at your teeth. However, there are some species of bacteria that have shown to be helpful. For example, a group of helpful bacteria called lactobacilli can fight several kinds of bacteria and may help to restore healthy balance in your mouth. Good bacteria in your saliva can also help to break apart proteins and sugars, making for quicker and effective digestion.
Your smile is a very interesting place, and it pays to keep it in good condition. By maintaining an excellent oral hygiene regiment and seeing your dentist for regular checkups, you can keep your grin in great shape for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Blake Ma earned his dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut. Since then, he has completed more than 500 hours of advanced continuing education. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Meriden, visit his website or call (203) 237-4519.