10 Fascinating Facts About Your Teeth

If your teeth are healthy, you might give them little thought as you use them to speak, eat, and smile every day. Some people might even take their teeth for granted. But did you know that they are one of the most interesting parts of the human body? Here are 10 fascinating facts about teeth that might just enhance your appreciation for your smile:

Your Teeth Are Uniquely Yours

What do teeth and fingerprints have in common? They are unique to each individual. That is why dental records are sometimes used to identify human remains.

You Cannot See a Significant Portion of Your Teeth

About one-third of each tooth is beneath your gumline (some people have longer or shorter roots). That is one reason why dentists are often passionate about encouraging their patients to take care of their gums.

Most People Develop 32 Teeth

Most people develop 28 teeth by the time they are teenagers, with four additional teeth (the wisdom teeth) developing in late adolescence or early adulthood. That makes for a total of 32 teeth. However, some people are genetically endowed with more or fewer pearly whites.

Tooth Enamel Is the Hardest Part of Your Body

Tooth enamel, the outermost layer of teeth, is even harder than bone. However, that does not mean it is invincible. It is still vulnerable to erosion and breakage.

Yellow Teeth Are Not Always Unhealthy

In some cases, yellow teeth can be an indication that the enamel is too thin, allowing the yellowish dentin (the second layer of teeth) to become more visible. In other instances, though, teeth might be yellow due to staining or genetics.

Dentin Grows and Changes

Tooth enamel is basically static. Dentin, however, can grow and change throughout your lifetime.

Your Mouth Has Hundreds of Types of Bacteria

At any given time, your mouth may be inhabited by around 300 types of bacteria. Do not let that alarm you — most oral bacteria are harmless. Many of them are even helpful!

Plaque Is Dangerous

When you eat sugars and starches, they interact with bacteria in your mouth, leading to the formation of a sticky biofilm known as plaque. If plaque is not brushed off relatively quickly, it can harden into tartar and cause decay.

You Produce a Lot of Saliva

The average person produces around a quart of saliva each day. Over the course of a lifetime, that can amount to 10,000 gallons!

Teeth Cannot Heal on Their Own

Unlike most of the human body, teeth cannot repair themselves. That is one reason why preventive dental care is so important!

Meet the Practice

Our Westerville dental practice is home to three talented, experienced dentists. We offer a full range of services, from preventive care to advanced restorative treatments. Whether you have questions about how to care for your teeth, or you have concerns about your oral health, we are ready to serve you. Contact our office at 614-882-4032.