Let’s face it- teeth are weird. Although, that is what makes them so interesting and fun to learn about! If you like knowing strange or shocking facts, we gathered up some of the best ones for you to read through.
These are 8 shocking facts about teeth!
1. They are Extremely Strong
Your teeth are made from enamel, which is the hardest material in your body. The enamel is even stronger than your bones and has the highest percentage of minerals out of all your body parts. This is because your teeth need to be durable since your body can not regrow them if they were to break easily.
Since enamel can not be healed, you will want to be sure that you are taking excellent care of your teeth! Take calcium supplements if you need to and be sure to brush your teeth often.
2. Yellow Teeth are Not a Result of Staining
Our teeth look yellow when the enamel is worn away, allowing the color of the dentine underneath to show through. The less of your enamel you have left, the more yellow that your teeth will be.
However, teeth can become stained from certain substances, such as coffee or cigarettes. But, if you notice your teeth turning yellow, it is more likely to be from your enamel wearing away. Be sure to take good care of your teeth so that this does not happen!
3. They are as Unique as Your Fingerprints
The way that your teeth are arranged in your mouth makes them as unique, if not more so, than your fingerprints. This is why they are an important part 0f forensics- every person has their own bite that can not be replicated by anyone else.
You might be thinking that after getting braces, a person’s straight teeth would like someone else who had the same treatment- this is not true. Even after seeing an orthodontic dentist for years, your bite would still be entirely different from someone else’s. It does not matter if they even saw the same orthodontist and had their braces on for the same amount of time.
4. Cheese Protects Your Teeth
Did you know that eating cheese can protect your teeth? This food creates a layer over the top of your teeth that protects it from being damaged by plaque or acid.
Plus, cheese has high levels of calcium and phosphate, which aid in strengthening your teeth from the inside as well. And on top of all that? Cheese also balances the pH level in your mouth, meaning that your saliva is less acidic and forming fewer cavities.
If you feel like your teeth are weak, adding more cheese to your diet can be a great help because of all of these benefits.
5. Braces in History
Braces have been a part of human history for many, many years. Archaeologists have even discovered Egyptian mummies wearing simpler versions of them!
The first documented braces were designed by Pierre Fauchard in 1728. Before today’s braces that use rubber bands, they were made from flat pieces of metal that were tied to the teeth with string. Needless to say, this was extremely uncomfortable for the people of the past.
6. Tooth Decay and Kids
Tooth decay is the number one chronic disease with children today- it is at least five times more common than asthma and fevers. When left untreated, tooth decay can have some serious problems.
This is because it can eventually lead to malnourishment, trouble speaking, cause learning problems, and lead to more serious health issues. In short, if you think your child has tooth decay, it is time for their next dentist appointment.
7. Sugar Makes an Acid
Sugar from candy or soda reacts with bacteria in your mouth, causing them to form an acid that erodes your teeth. If you are a heavy soda drinker, you are constantly exposing your teeth to a damaging acid wash.
If you want to keep your teeth healthy, consider rinsing your mouth with water after earring candy or drinking something sweet. Doing this removes the acid without further hurting your teeth.
You will not want to brush your teeth right away, as the acid puts your teeth into a fragile state. Brushing them right after drinking soda might do your teeth more harm than good!
8. Teeth are Not Bones
Even though teeth are hard and white, they are made up of different materials than your bones are. Bones can heal themselves over a long period, which is why you would need to wear a cast to keep them in place after an injury. On the other hand, your teeth can not heal themselves- no matter how long you wait.
Here are some bonus quick facts about your teeth and orthodontics!
Teeth Fast Facts
- Toothbrushes were used in Ancient Egyptian times. Before they were invented, people would use small twigs or their fingers to clean their teeth
- Ancient Greeks and Romans would use paste made from bones, eggshells, animal hooves, and ash before toothpaste would be invented
- Tooth plaque contains 300+ species of bacteria
- Staying hydrated lets your body make saliva to protect your teeth
- People will spend about 39 days out of their life brushing their teeth
- Your body will make enough saliva to fill 2 swimming pools during your lifetime
