Smiling is infectious: interesting facts about teeth and some dental trivia
It’s time to embark on a dental journey where we take a tour through some facts about the teeth that are sure to raise a smile! Maybe you're an avid enthusiast of oral hygiene or perhaps you’re just an intrepid adventurer delving into the enigmatic secrets behind your smile, it doesn’t matter because this blog post is the perfect way to satiate your desire for intriguing dental trivia. Get ready to embrace our top 10 fun facts about teeth that will leave you beaming brighter than ever! Let's set off on our adventure:
Prepare to discover our handpicked collection of the top 10 facts about human teeth:
Dental fact no. 1: tooth enamel holds the title for being the hardest substance in the human body
The first of our facts about human teeth is that they are not only harder than bone but also possess remarkable resilience! However, while tooth enamel boasts impressive strength, a process called demineralisation can make it porous, rendering the teeth vulnerable to plaque. It is therefore paramount to maintain proper dental care.
Dental fact no. 2: a third of each tooth is under the gumline
Understanding this interesting dental fact is key, especially if you undergo orthodontic treatment. Like trees, teeth have large roots that are hidden from view. Prior to commencing orthodontic procedures, among other facts about the teeth, it is crucial to understand how they are positioned. At Impress, we utilise a comprehensive 360º CBCT X-ray to get a detailed view of your teeth from the crown down to the roots.
Dental fact no. 3: People only get two sets of teeth to last their lifetime
This fun dental fact is indeed true, but only when it comes to humans. A related and interesting dental fact that's worth noting is that some animals, such as dolphins, experience tooth development just once, while others, like sharks, possess the extraordinary ability to grow multiple sets of teeth. In fact, a shark can produce approximately 40 sets of teeth throughout its lifetime.
Dental fact no. 4: The teeth are the only things in the human body that can’t self-repair
When it comes to our body, teeth are in a league of their own, but they don't have the power to fix themselves like other body parts. Teeth have a protective layer called enamel, but here's the problem: it's not a living tissue. So if you lose it, that’s it! Here's a dental care fact to take into consideration: brushing and flossing those pearly whites is essential because the mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, with the population in each mouth outnumbering all the humans on earth!
Dental fact no. 5: Your teeth are as unique as your fingerprints
Similar to fingerprints, each of our teeth is entirely unique, distinct from both the others within your own mouth and those belonging to every other individual on the planet. This means everyone’s bite and smile is exclusively their own! A fun dental fact that truly highlights the remarkable individuality found within our mouths!
Dental fact no. 6: Teeth are part of the digestive system
As the first phase of the digestive process, human teeth carry out the essential duty of breaking down food into usable molecules. Poor dental health will impair the chewing of food and ultimately affect digestion.
Dental fact no. 7: Babies have 12 less teeth than adults
An interesting fact about the secondary set of teeth, known as permanent or adult teeth, is that it comprises 32 teeth. Whereas an infant’s initial teeth, referred to as baby teeth, number just 20. Absent in babies are the eight premolars that adults use for biting and chewing food. In addition, adults typically possess four extra molars that assist with thorough mastication of food and therefore contribute to digestion. How’s that for an interesting fact about teeth?
Dental fact no. 8: Flossing reaches an extra 35% of the tooth’s surface than brushing alone
Flossing plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal oral health and this dental hygiene fact reinforces that message. Regular flossing is very important for dental health, as it lowers the risk of infectious conditions and can safeguard against cardiac episodes, thereby potentially increasing your lifespan.
Dental fact no. 9: Healthy teeth are less susceptible to decay
The better the condition of your teeth, the greater their longevity will be without experiencing decay, so it’s important to schedule biannual visits to your dentist. Impress conducted a survey which revealed its own interesting fact about teeth: 76% of respondents had experienced cavities (tooth decay) at least once, with 25% reporting more than four.
Dental fact no. 10: Teeth can be damaged by stress
The last of our facts about human teeth is certainly interesting, but perhaps a bit less fun. Unaddressed stress can cause damage to your teeth and negatively impact your gums and oral well-being. While sleeping, people dealing with stress often unknowingly grind or clench their teeth, leading to tooth cracks, wear, and jaw complications. Moreover, stress can trigger the formation of mouth ulcers and a decline in saliva synthesis. To protect your teeth, we advise using night retainers or a dental guard.
Looking after your teeth is crucial
Hopefully these fun facts about human teeth have encouraged you to take good care of your teeth, since nothing you wear is more important than your smile.
At Impress, we believe an aligned smile is a healthy smile, so we specialise in tech-enhanced clear aligners to optimise oral health. Our aim is to give all our patients the confidence to show off their healthy smiles. Our complete range of dental services includes dental check-ups, cavity filling, cleaning, and whitening.
Curious about what Impress can do for your smile? Book a free consultation with an expert doctor at one of our modern clinics near you. If you require further assistance, don't hesitate to contact us via phone, email or WhatsApp. We look forward to welcoming you to an Impress clinic soon!
