Your teeth may be tiny, but inside those puny powerhouses lies a world of fascinating facts. Here are 10 totally cool things you probably didn’t know about your pearly whites and why keeping them healthy and strong is so important!
Enamel is The Hardest Substance in the Human Body
The enamel is the hard yet porous outer coating on your teeth, and yes, it’s even harder than your bones! In fact, did you know your teeth aren’t bones at all- but totally separate things? It’s true! So, how strong are your teeth? Well, the average biteforce can withstand between 120 and 162 pounds of pressure per square inch!
They’re As Unique as You Are
Much like how you and your family are different, each of your teeth are unique to each other and to everyone else’s. That’s why dental records are often used to solve crimes, and why one sibling may have totally different oral health than one raised in the same home- even identical twins!
Sensitivity Indicates Life
While tooth sensitivity to hot or cold may be painful and annoying, it does have one important benefit – it indicates that your tooth is alive. Thus, while you may be frustrated by a toothache, the good news is that if you’re having one there’s still a chance it can be repaired.
They Can’t Heal Thyself
Although teeth are the strongest parts of your body, they are still unable to heal themselves. That’s why when they become damaged, your dentist must repair them with things like fillings, crowns, and root canals. These treatments are the best way to salvage your smile without needing to extract your pearly whites, and generally the sooner you treat them, the greater their odds for survival will be.
Wisdom Teeth Wonders
Did you know that not everyone has wisdom teeth? Or that among those who do, you can get between one and six? While four is generally the most common, not everyone gets that many, nor does anyone really understand why you get the number that you do!
Your Mouth is A Community
Although you can’t see it with the naked eye, there are up to 300 different species of bacteria living in your mouth at any given time. While this may seem gross, the truth is that not all of them are bad- some help in the digestion process, while others battle it out with the dangerous ones, helping to maintain balance and reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Saliva Stunners
Did you know that in your lifetime, you’ll likely generate about 10,000 gallons of saliva? This equals to about a quart a day. Saliva is a mixture of water and mucous, and not only does it help to keep your teeth and oral structures hydrated, but it also helps rinse away food and bacteria and even aids in the digestion process.
What Lies Beneath
When it comes to your teeth, there’s more than meets the eye. In fact, a full one-third of your tooth’s structure is housed securely below your gumline, holding your pearly whites in place in your jaw. As for what’s visible, brushing alone can only clean about 70 percent- the other 30 percent is typically only accessible via dental floss, which is why it’s so important to both brush and floss when caring for your smile!
You Only Get 32
Most humans will develop a total of 32 permanent teeth: eight incisors (the ones in the front of your mouth), four canines (the sharper, pointy ones), eight premolars, and 12 molars (the back, chewing teeth). However, once you get your permanent teeth, that’s all you get- so be careful with them, as they won’t grow back!
Keeping it Together
Now that you know how amazing your teeth really are, you can understand why they’re so valuable! Unfortunately, because they can’t heal themselves and won’t regrow if you lose a permanent one, it is very important to protect them with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your dentist!
About Dr. Jetton
Dr. Brad Jetton understands the fascination with teeth- and is happy to help you protect yours! If it’s time for a checkup and cleaning, don’t leave your pearly whites in peril- contact New Teeth Dental Solutions today to schedule your preventive care by visiting our website or calling 713-257-9470.