Teeth are something we rely on each and every day – but how many of us are taking them for granted? When you fail to look after them properly, you could be at risk of serious pain and damage – which is why it’s extremely important to make sure that you brush regularly and visit your dentist at least every six months.
Beyond this, what are some fun facts about teeth you might not be aware of? Here’s a selection of titbits which could well surprise you…
1. There’s nothing tougher than teeth.
The hardest part of your body can be found in your body – it’s tooth enamel. However, even this incredibly tough substance is at risk of eroding depending on your diet. Unfortunately, much of it never grows back!
2. Your mouth is a saliva pool!
It’s thought your mouth is likely to produce at least two swimming pools’ worth of saliva in a lifetime. That’s whether or not you’re near anything likely to make your mouth water!
3. What to do if you lose a tooth…
If you lose a tooth, the best thing to do is to see a dentist – however, in the meantime, why not keep it safe in a small cup of milk? This is the best way to keep your tooth healthy in the event that it can be reattached. Time is of the essence, however!
4. You can’t see the whole of your tooth.
Believe it or not, much of your teeth are invisible. That’s because you can only see the top halves of your gnashers poking through your gums! Up to a third of your teeth is hidden by gum, and this is where your roots and nerve endings lie – where the most pain can occur.
5. Teeth come in four different varieties.
You have four different types of teeth which are used specifically to tear into and chew food. These are your molars, canines, premolars, and incisors.
6. Cheese is great for teeth!
Believe it or not, cheese is hugely beneficial for healthy teeth. This is largely thanks to the huge amount of calcium in each bite; however, it can also provide you with a layer to protect your teeth against plaque. Who needs another reason to eat more cheese?
7. Fresh fruit is better than dried for teeth.
\You should make sure to eat fresh fruit instead of dried fruit if you care about your teeth. That’s because dried fruit can release more sugar, which, of course, leads to more plaque.
8. There’s no bone in your teeth.
Contrary to popular belief, teeth are not bones. That’s why – unlike bones – teeth can’t heal. When you chip them or they fall out as an adult, they’re not going to regenerate.
9. Giraffe teeth are lacking somewhat…
If you’ve ever taken a look at a giraffe’s mouth, you might already know that they have curious dentistry. That’s because they only have the lower row of teeth!
10. Do you brush your teeth enough?
You should be brushing your teeth for at least three minutes a day – however, studies show that most of us are only brushing for around half this time.
11. Always make sure to floss!
Flossing is also important as it helps you to get rid of harmful of food and sugar caught between your teeth and gums. It’s only been around since 1882!
12. Bad teeth? Unhealthy body.
Poor oral health can lead to problems elsewhere in the body, in particular type 2 diabetes and even heart disease. Therefore, be careful to look after your teeth, as they are a gateway into the rest of your body.
13. The blue whale is toothless.
The biggest creature on the planet doesn’t have any teeth – the blue whale swallows up tiny food such as shrimp in colossal amounts which it won’t need to chew.
14. Plaque is a big concern.
Plaque is a huge burden for people of all ages. It can start to form around four hours after you finish brushing, and if left to fester, can lead to tooth decay.
15. Be careful on sugar!
Sugar allowances will vary from person to person, and from country to country. However, for avoidance of all doubt, you should make sure to only eat naturally occurring sugars – as added sugars are likely to be the most detrimental to your teeth and gums.
16. Your teeth have always been a part of you.
Believe it or not, you started forming teeth before you were born. Milk teeth can start to take shape below the gumline, though you won’t have started actually showing teeth until you were at least six months old. This process is called teething, and as all parents know, it’s a magical time of peace and serenity…!
FAQs about Teeth
Why might I have 28 teeth?
You may not have all of your adult teeth if you have had your wisdom teeth removed - it’s fairly common!
What causes teeth yellowing?
Unfortunately, age is ultimately a big factor in teeth yellowing.
Is it possible to brush your teeth too much?
Yes - brushing for more than 10 minutes a session could lead to enamel loss.
Do you know any fun facts about teeth? Share them in the comments below!
