Fun, Little-Known Facts About Teeth

Teeth are absolutely fascinating! There may be a lot of things that you don't know about your own teeth. At Access Dental and Dentures, we are experts on dental health and how to help take care of yourself. We love helping people feel more confident about their health, and part of that is learning more about your teeth. In today's blog, we are talking about 9 different fun facts about teeth that you may not already know. Keep reading to learn more!

You're 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.

They're 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."

Only 2/3 of Them Are Visible
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.

They Grow Throughout Your Life
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.

They're Actually 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 are the Hardest Body Part
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.

Plaque & 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.

Don't Brush Right Away
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.

Floss for Every 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!

Dental Care in Missouri

Being knowledgeable about your dental health is important to help stay healthy overall. If you need help getting your smile up to your dream standards, we are here for you and would love to help set up an appointment. As the best dentists in Southern Missouri, Access Dental and Dentures can help improve your smile to help boost your confidence and health. Give us a call!

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

1-877-DENTIST

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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! 

1-877-DENTIST

Visit our Website
Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Springfield Office          Rolla Office             Osage Beach Office

(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447          (573) 348-1466         

1701 West Sunshine        416 S. Bishop Ave.   4320 Osage Beach Pkwy

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401      Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605

FUN FACTS: Teeth Edition

Proper oral care is vital for all ages. Your teeth can help you better perform an important function - eating and nourishing your body. If you experience oral pain or have an issue with your teeth, it can be very difficult to accomplish simple tasks. Here at Access Dental and Dentures, we take oral health seriously but we like to have a little fun too! Take a look below to learn some wacky facts about those pearly whites!

FUN FACT #1
The average American spends 38.5 total days brushing their teeth over a lifetime.

FUN FACT #2
No two people have the same set of teeth—your teeth are as unique as your fingerprint.

FUN FACT #3
If you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 40% of your tooth surfaces. Be sure to floss at least once a day.

FUN FACT #4
The average person only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds a day, the recommended amount of time is 2-3 minutes.

FUN FACT #5
Dogs have 42 teeth, cats have 30 teeth, pigs have 44 teeth, and an armadillo has 104 teeth.

FUN FACT #6
78% of Americans have had at least 1 cavity by age 17.

FUN FACT #7
Dental floss was first manufactured in the year 1882.

FUN FACT #8
More than 300 types of bacteria make up dental plaque.

FUN FACT #9
A snail's mouth is no larger than the head of a pin, but it can have over 25,000 teeth!

FUN FACT #10
People who drink 3 or more glasses of soda each day have 62% more tooth decay, fillings, and tooth loss than others.

FUN FACT #11
The first toothbrushes were tree twigs. Chewing on the tips of the twigs spread out the fibers, which were then used to clean the teeth.

FUN FACT #12
The enamel on the top surface on your tooth is the hardest part of your entire body.

FUN FACT #13
There are 10-12 teaspoons of sugar in a single can of soda.

FUN FACT #14
Humans use four different types of teeth (incisors, canine, premolars, and molars) to cut, tear and grind their food.

FUN FACT #15
One-third of the tooth underneath the gum surface—that means only two-thirds of a tooth’s length is visible.

Now that you know some fun facts about teeth, you're ready to share your new-found knowledge with your friends and family. When you're sharing this fun information, be sure to let them know who your favorite dentist in Springfield, MO is! Chances are your family member can benefit from visiting Access Dental & Dentures. We look forward to helping you and your family achieve proper oral health!

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+





Springfield Office          Rolla Office          Osage Beach Office      Mountain Grove Office
(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447        (573) 348-1466                       (417) 926-1160
1701 West Sunshine      416 S. Bishop Ave.  4320 Osage Beach Pkwy       921 N. Main St.

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401     Osage Beach, MO. 65065       Mountain Grove

Fun Facts About Those Pearly Whites

Proper oral care is a serious thing but there is no reason why it can't be fun too! It's important to take care of your teeth - after all, you only get one set of adult teeth to last a lifetime. Our goal as your dentist in southern Missouri is to help your teeth last a long, long time. You know how important it is to use proper oral care techniques. Brushing for at least two minutes each day is recommended. Many Americans don't brush long enough. To help extend your brushing time, we've included a few fun facts about teeth. Try reading through this list next time you brush! It should help pass the time while you clean your pearly whites!

- Tooth decay is four-times more common than asthma in young adults.

- Lady Liberty's smile is three feet wide - that's a big smile!

- Milk teeth or baby teeth will start to form before a child is even born.

- Everyone has a unique tongue print, just like fingerprints of individualized.

- Three million miles of dental floss is purchased every year by Americans.

- Enamel is the hardest surface in the entire body.

- If you don't floss, you miss cleaning 40% of your tooth's surface.

- There is over 300 types of bacteria in dental plaque.

- A single can of soda has about 10-12 teaspoons of sugar!

- Twigs were once used as toothbrushes!

- The four types of teeth (incisor, canine, premolar, and molar) are used to cut, tear, and grind food when we eat.

Now that you've read these interesting facts about teeth, you're ready to start reading these points each time you brush to make sure you brush long enough. It's a great way to pass the time as you clean your teeth. After you brush, don't forget to floss in between your teeth. This can help remove plaque and food particles that may build up. Removing debris from your teeth can help to reduce the chance of getting a cavity or gingivitis. In addition to brushing and flossing, it's important to visit the dentist on a regular basis. Give Access Dental & Dentures a call to schedule your next appointment with us!

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+





Springfield Office          Rolla Office          Osage Beach Office      Mountain Grove Office
(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447        (573) 348-1466                       (417) 926-1160
1701 West Sunshine      416 S. Bishop Ave.  4320 Osage Beach Pkwy       921 N. Main St.

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401     Osage Beach, MO. 65065       Mountain Grove

Interesting Facts About Those Pearly Whites

Oral care should be a vital part of your daily routine. From brushing twice each day to flossing at least once per day, there are a number of ways to improve your teeth. Once adult teeth come in, this is the only set you will have - our goal is to help them last a lifetime. Whether you're having dental issues or simple want to schedule a routine check up, the best dentist in Springfield, MO is here for you! We want to help you achieve your oral care goals! In the mean time, check out these fun facts about teeth, provided below by Access Dental and Dentures.

1) Humans only have 2 sets of teeth in their lifetime... baby teeth and permanent teeth.

2) 38.5 days is how long the average person spends brushing their teeth over an entire lifetime.

3) Oral health is linked to a number of other diseases, like heart disease.

4) Milk can help a tooth last longer, should it get knocked out

5) 25,000 quarts of saliva is produced in your mouth over a lifetime - two swimming pools can be filled with that amount!

6) Incisors, canine, premolars, and molars are all the types of teeth found in the human mouth. These different kinds help us cut, tear, and grind food.

7) Sets of teeth are like fingerprints, no two people have the same.

8) 1/3 of the tooth surface is underneath your gums - that's why it's especially important to floss below the gum line!

9) Milk teeth or baby teeth will start to form before a child is even born.

10) The enamel coating is the hardest surface in the entire body and helps to protect your pearly whites.

11) 40% of your tooth surface is missed, if you don't floss.

12) If 3+ glasses of soda are consumed each day, an individual will have 62% more tooth decay.

13) Dental plaque  has over 300 types of bacteria.

14) Tree twigs were used as the first toothbrushes. The tips were chewed up to spread out the fibers and used to clean the teeth.

15) A single can of soda can contain about 10-12 teaspoons of sugar!

Hopefully you've learned some fun facts about your pearly whites in today's blog! While oral care is a serious subject, we like to make it FUN too. If you're looking for a great place to help with your oral care needs, Access Dental & Dentures is the place for you! From routine check ups to dental emergency care, our dental office in southern Missouri provides quality care, from quality people!

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+





Springfield Office          Rolla Office          Osage Beach Office      Mountain Grove Office
(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447        (573) 348-1466                       (417) 926-1160
1701 West Sunshine      416 S. Bishop Ave.  4320 Osage Beach Pkwy       921 N. Main St.

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401     Osage Beach, MO. 65065       Mountain Grove

15 Fun Facts About Pearly Whites

Oral care is very important for individuals of all ages. Whether you are establishing good oral habits for your children or continuing your care efforts as an adult, it may be hard to make taking care of your teeth fun. Kids may be more exciting about taking care of their oral health if they gain interest through fun teeth facts. Access Dental and Dentures is here for all of your family’s dental care needs. Your trusted dentist in Southern-Missouri has provided some fun facts about teeth to help inspire you to take care of them.

   1. The average American spends 38.5 total days brushing their teeth over a lifetime.

2. If you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 40% of your tooth surfaces. Be sure to floss at least once a day. 

3. Dogs have 42 teeth, cats have 30 teeth, pigs have 44 teeth, and an armadillo has 104 teeth.

4. People who drink 3 or more glasses of soda each day have 62% more tooth decay, fillings, and tooth loss than others. 

5. The average person only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds a day, the recommended amount of time is 2-3 minutes.

6. 78% of Americans have had at least 1 cavity by age 17.

7. Dental floss was first manufactured in the year 1882.

8. More than 300 types of bacteria make up dental plaque.

9. A snail's mouth is no larger than the head of a pin, but it can have over 25,000 teeth!

10. There are 10-12 teaspoons of sugar in a single can of soda.

11. The first toothbrushes were tree twigs. Chewing on the tips of the twigs spread out the fibers, which were then used to clean the teeth.

12. The enamel on the top surface on your tooth is the hardest part of your entire body.

13. Humans use four different types of teeth (incisors, canine, premolars, and molars) to cut, tear and grind their food.

14. No two people have the same set of teeth—your teeth are as unique as your fingerprint.

15. One-third of the tooth underneath the gum surface—that means only two-thirds of a tooth’s length is visible.

If you can instill good dental habits in your child, it can help them gain excitement about taking care of their teeth. Some of these fun facts can help promote proper oral care in children and adults alike. Now that you know some of these facts about your pearly whites, you may be inspired to take better care of your mouth. To schedule an appointment with a professional dentist in Springfield, MO, contact us. For a happy, healthy smile, Access Dental and Dentures can handle all of your family dentistry needs. 

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+




Springfield Office                         Rolla Office                     Osage Beach Office
(417) 501-1048                              (573) 426-5447                  (573) 348-1466
1701 West Sunshine                      416 S. Bishop Ave.            4320 Osage Beach Parkway

 Springfield, MO 65807                   Rolla, MO 65401               Osage Beach, MO. 65065