DID YOU KNOW... 9 Fun Facts About Your Teeth

Our dental clinics in Southern Missouri find teeth fascinating because that's our specialty. Anyone not in the field of dentistry may know a little about teeth but most likely don't have a strong desire to learn more than simple general knowledge. Teeth are a part of your life so Access Dental & Dentures has gathered a few very interesting facts that we think anyone will find fascinating. Learn something new today by taking a look at this list.

Teeth Are Not Bones
Just by looking at them, you might assume teeth are bones but guess what... they're not. The hard shell of enamel is mostly made up of calcium and phosphate, like your bones, yet not exactly the same. That enamel surrounds the rest of the tooth to keep it safe.

Teeth Never Stop Growing
The enamel itself on the outside of your teeth remains the same but inside, your teeth continue to change throughout your entire life. Just below the layer of enamel is dentin, of which there are 3 types: primary, secondary, and reparative. The dentin inside always continues to grow and change.

The Hardest Part of Your Body
Enamel is actually the hardest part of your body and even the dentin inside is harder than your bones. This does not mean teeth are invincible though. Sugars and acids interacting with bacteria in your mouth attack the enamel and break it down. Brushing regularly and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help to keep this from happening.

If you're not careful, teeth can still be chipped or cracked. Ways to avoid this include wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, not chewing on hard items like ice, and not using your teeth to "bite" open things that are not food.

Yours Are Unique To You
Your teeth are like a fingerprint, unique to your body. This is why dental records can be used to identify a person. As a matter of fact, your tongue also has a unique "tongue print."

You are born with teeth.
Teeth begin forming while a person is still in the womb. Even though it appears as if a baby is born with no teeth, all 20 baby teeth are right there under the gum surface, waiting to break out. 

You can only see 2/3 of them.
One-third of your teeth are hidden inside the gums. That's why it's very important to take care of your gums too for good oral health. If they are damaged they cannot hold and protect the lower portion of your teeth.

Hundreds of Bacteria
Plaque may sound like a singular thing, but is made up of millions of bacteria! Beyond that, there are as many as 300 different species of bacteria.

Wait to Brush
You need to brush at least twice a day and after meals when possible, but not immediately after you eat. Brushing within half an hour of eating or drinking certain foods can actually damage the enamel. It's best to wait at least an hour.

Don't Miss a Spot
Flossing once a day is important for good oral health too. When you don't floss you could be missing up to a stunning 40% of your tooth surfaces!

The more you know about your teeth the easier it will be to take proper care of them for a lifetime of good oral health. Visiting our skilled dentists in Southern Missouri for regular checkups is an important part of that too. Working together we can keep those teeth shiny, clean, and healthy for many, many years.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

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