”10 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Teeth” is a collaborative post and includes affiliate links. Please see the disclosure page for more information. Disclaimer – always verify medical information with your doctor or a professional and follow all laws for your location.
One of the most important tasks that you need to do twice a year is seeing the dentist. There are so many people out there who are afraid to see the dentist, and yet without decent, regular dentistry, you are most likely going to suffer with the rest of your health. Going to the dentist may be something that’s fairly modern for us, but people have been caring for their teeth for centuries. The history books tell us that in ancient Greek times, toothbrushes were made of tree twigs for people to chew, and coral powder and iron rust was mixed together to form a paste. Of course, we’ve come a very long way since the days of twigs and coral powder, but that doesn’t mean that enough of us are seeking the help of a dentist often enough for it to count.
We are very lucky to live in a time where dentistry has advanced massively. We have technology on our side and we have a range of tools crafted to improve our gum health and tooth care. We rely on our teeth every day, and not just to eat and drink properly. We rely on our teeth to support our faces while we smile and prevent our cheeks from collapsing in. It can be more difficult to know what to do if you don’t have dental insurance and yet you need dental care, but that doesn’t mean that the answers aren’t out there. Speak to a dental professional if you are worried about your oral health and ask for professional advice on making your dental payments affordable. By keeping your teeth healthy, you ensure that you save money on healthcare and you have a bright, healthy smile for as long as possible.
So, while we’re talking teeth, let’s learn ten things you might not know about teeth…
Image source: Pexels
No One Has Your Teeth
Just like a fingerprint, your teeth are unique. There is a reason that medical professionals use dental impressions to identify you and it’s because your teeth are unlike anyone else’s out there. Identical twins don’t have identical teeth, and so you should know that you have the only set of your teeth out there. Did you also know that your tongue has its own print, too? Not many people know that, but the inside of your mouth is a unique map that is yours alone.
There’s More Than The Surface
When you smile, you see your teeth and so does everyone else. However, about a third of your teeth sit under the gums, and you can’t see that bit – well, you shouldn’t! Your gums should be pink and firm and they should protect the bottom third of your teeth. It’s so important that you care for your gums as much as you do your teeth, to prevent them from receding and seeing that hidden third of the tooth!
You Should Have 32 Teeth
Adult teeth come through after the milk teeth (aka baby teeth) fall out. When you are fully grown, you should have 32 adult teeth. There should be eight incisors, four canine teeth, eight premolars and twelve molars. Depending on your oral health and the teeth that have grown through, they should be healthy and not crowded.
The Enamel Is The Hardest Part Of The Body
Believe it or not, the enamel on your teeth is the hardest part of your body. The whole purpose of enamel is to protect your tooth. While it’s made of the same properties as the bones in your body, it’s so much stronger due to the proteins that form within it.
Enamel Can Still Break
Despite it being the hardest material in the body, it isn’t something that stays the same forever. It can crack, it can chip and it can decay. Sugar and acids in food and drinks can still attack the enamel when mixed with the natural bacteria in the mouth. Soda and other sugary drinks are particularly devastating for the teeth, especially if you don’t have a straw while you drink them. The bacteria sits on the enamel and erodes it away, and that causes it to soften and it can affect your teeth badly.
Image Source: Pexels
Enamel Isn’t Supposed To Be Yellow
People will always tell you that the yellow stains on their teeth are due to coffee and food, but yellow can mean decay. Enamel is what makes your teeth so white, and when the decay begins, your teeth can appear yellow. It can also be the cause of pain you are feelings, as softened enamel exposes the teeth. Decay softens the enamel and can cause pain, so if you are dealing with toothache, it may be worth a dental appointment to check your enamel.
Dentin Grows – Who Knew!
There is a layer just under the enamel of your teeth called dentin. It’s harder than your bones and it helps to give your teeth the nutrition they need to be healthy. Enamel doesn’t move, but the dentin changes and grows depending on your needs in life.
Your Teeth Are Surrounded By Bacteria
You may already know this one, but did you know that there are almost 300 types of bacteria? Most people aren’t aware! It’s why brushing and flossing are so vital to the health of your teeth!
Plaque Can Damage Teeth
It may not be easy to afford dental appointments regularly, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t fix the plaque on your teeth. It is white and sticky, and when you don’t remove it, it hardens and turns into tooth-destroying tartar. Brush, floss and use mouthwash where you can to prevent the plaque from sticking for good.
Spit? You Make 10,000 Gallons Of That!
Your saliva is important for your health, as it makes food easy to swallow and jumpstarts your digestion. Saliva washes the food grime away and neutralizes the acid that causes damage and decay. You need saliva, and in the course of your lifetime you will make 10,000 gallons of it!
Your overall physical health is tied to the health of your teeth.
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