As experienced Port Coquitlam dentists, we encounter various misconceptions about teeth daily. This blog post highlights some interesting and lesser-known facts about teeth that will leave you fascinated and better informed. So, let’s get started!
Ten Facts About Your Teeth
Enamel: The Strongest Substance in the Human Body
Tooth enamel is the hardest and most highly mineralized substance in the human body. Its primary function is to protect your teeth from damage while chewing, biting, and grinding. Continue reading and learning about the ten facts about your teeth.
Teeth Are Unique as Fingerprints
Just like fingerprints, every individual’s teeth are unique. Even identical twins don’t have the same set of teeth. This makes dental records an essential tool for forensic identification.
Humans Have Four Different Types of Teeth
We have four types of teeth, each designed for a specific purpose: incisors for biting and cutting, canines for tearing, premolars for crushing, and molars for grinding and chewing.
Baby Teeth Matter
Although temporary, baby (primary teeth) play a crucial role in a child’s development. They help children learn to speak and chew and serve as placeholders for permanent teeth.
Schedule A Dental Cleaning Every Six Months:
Combining a dental exam and cleaning in one visit saves you time and enables your dental team to address any issues immediately, providing comprehensive care for your oral health. Regular exams and cleanings are essential for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing future dental problems. Dental cleanings in Port Coquitlam.
Continue reading about the ten facts about your teeth
Teeth Aren’t Bones
Although teeth and bones share some similarities, they are fundamentally different. Teeth are made of dentin and enamel, which are harder than bone, and lack the capacity to regenerate and heal themselves as bones do.
Wisdom Teeth: Evolutionary Leftovers
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are considered evolutionary leftovers from our ancestors who needed the extra teeth to grind down plant tissue. As human diets evolved, the jaw size reduced, often leaving insufficient room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly.
Saliva: The Unsung Hero
Saliva plays a significant role in maintaining your oral health. It helps neutralize acids, wash away food particles, and even contains enzymes that aid in digestion.
Brushing Too Hard Can Be Harmful
Vigorous brushing can wear down the enamel and damage your gums. Brushing gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush is essential to maintain oral health.
The First Toothbrush Dates Back to Ancient China
The first toothbrush was invented in ancient China around 1498. It featured bristles made from hog hairs and a bone or bamboo handle. Modern toothbrushes with nylon bristles were introduced in the late 1930s.
You’ll Spend Over a Month Brushing Your Teeth in Your Lifetime
On average, if you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, you’ll spend over 1,200 hours, or approximately 50 days, brushing your teeth during your lifetime.
Ten Facts About Your Teeth and Oral Health
Equipped with these ten fascinating facts about your teeth, it’s imperative that you actively take steps to preserve your oral health. A critical component of dental care involves arranging regular checkups with your dentist. By scheduling visits every six months for routine examinations and cleanings, you maintain the well-being of your teeth and gums and enable your dentist to identify potential issues at an early stage, effectively preventing more serious complications. As invaluable assets, your teeth deserve proper care and consistent dental visits, ensuring a healthy, radiant smile for years ahead.
