10 facts about teeth: how many do you know?

We get asked a lot of questions about teeth; no wonder, we are the experts! And now it's time for you to become an expert too. We bet there are lots of these trivia questions that you didn't know. Why not test your skills or share it with a friend?

10 Facts About Your Teeth - Are you already a budding orthodontist?

1. Tooth enamel holds the title for being the hardest substance in the human body

Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, boasting impressive strength; however, a process called demineralisation can make it porous, making the teeth susceptible to plaque. That's why proper dental care is so important.

2. A third of each tooth is under the gum line

Just like a tree, the large roots of your teeth are hidden from view. The combination of oral health care at home and regular visits to your dentist is super important to ensure deep dental cleaning throughout the year to avoid any problems that could be hiding below the gumline.

3. You only get two sets of teeth in your 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.

In contrast, others, like sharks, possess the extraordinary ability to grow multiple sets of teeth. A shark can produce approximately 40 sets of teeth throughout its lifetime. Crazy!

4. Teeth are the only things in the human body that can’t repair themselves

When it comes to our body, teeth are one of the biggest commodities. Why? While your broken femur and other bones can repair with rest and recovery, your teeth 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! We suggest using a brush with soft bristles and taking care when you brush and floss not to use excessive pressure.

5. Your teeth are as unique as your fingerprints

Similar to fingerprints, each of our teeth is unique, distinct from all the others within our own mouth and those belonging to every other individual on the planet.

Here's a dental care fact to take into consideration: brushing your teeth thoroughly is different to unnecessary pressure and hard-bristle brushes. Take care when cleaning, not to add excessive force on those pearly whites. Too much force can also cause enamel erosion.

6. Babies have 12 less teeth than adults

Babies' first set of teeth (also known as baby teeth) has 20 teeth, while the secondary set of teeth, known as permanent or adult teeth, comprises 32 teeth. Whereas an infant’s initial teeth, referred to as baby teeth, amount to just 20.

 The eight premolars that adults use for biting and chewing food are absent in babies. In addition, adults typically possess four extra molars that assist with the thorough mastication of food and therefore contribute to digestion.

7. Flossing reaches 35% more of the tooth’s surface than brushing alone

Flossing plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay. Regular flossing is very important for dental health, as it lowers the risk of infectious conditions and safeguards against cardiac episodes, thereby potentially increasing your lifespan.

8. Healthy teeth are less susceptible to decay

The better the condition of your teeth, the greater their longevity will be without decay, so it’s important to schedule biannual visits to your dentist.

• A thorough dental clean or dental hygiene allows the specialist to clean between your teeth
• Remove unseen foods and drink stains in hard-to-reach areas
• Check in to assess any preventive care measures you might need
• Contribute to your overall health

Impress conducted a survey, and the findings were shocking! It revealed that 76% of respondents had experienced cavities (tooth decay) at least once, with 25% reporting more than four.

9. Teeth can be damaged by stress

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 production. To protect your teeth, we advise using night retainers or a dental guard.

10. 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.

Taking care of your teeth is important

You can book a complimentary appointment with us, where you'll be provided with an in-depth oral health assessment.

We also provide all of our aligner patients with comprehensive dental care by providing cavity filling, dental exams, cleanings, and whitening.

Interested in seeing what Impress can do for your smile? Find one of our modern clinics near you and book your free consultation with one of our expert doctors. If you need additional assistance, feel free to give us a call. We hope to see you at an Impress clinic soon!