10 Bite-Sized Truths Every Smile Should Know About Teeth

Your home-grown teeth are much more than things you brush every day. They serve a greater purpose than just making your smile look aesthetic. Many facts about them can help you learn why you should take great care of them. Continue reading to learn 10 bite-sized truths about your teeth.

1.) Teeth Are Like Fingerprints

No two sets of pearly whites are the same. That means that everyone has a unique smile that is only theirs! You may have even heard about dental records being used to identify people.

2.) Your Chompers Are Similar to Icebergs

About a third of your teeth are hidden under your gums. They are the roots that help keep them in place. That’s why it’s important to keep your gums healthy, to ensure that your smile stays strong.

3.) You Have 32 Total

Your grin can be broken up by the type of tooth. You have eight incisors, which are in the front, that help cut and bite into food. Next to them are the four canines, which are useful for tearing tough items like meat. Then it’s your eight premolars that are broader to crush foods. Last up are your twelve molars, they are designed to grind food down.

4.) Enamel Isn’t Alive

The outer layer of your pearly whites is a mineralized substance that doesn’t have any living cells or nerves. It helps protect the underlying dentin from damage.

5.) Dentin Can Grow While Enamel Can’t

The second layer of your teeth has tiny channels and tubules that transmit signals and nutrients throughout your smile. Dentin will grow throughout your life, while enamel cannot repair itself.

6.) Enamel Is the Hardest Substance Your Body Makes

This outer layer is made from calcium and phosphate, similar to bones, but it doesn’t receive any blood. They have certain proteins and crystallites that make it very strong.

7.) Your Teeth Aren’t Invincible

Despite having a hard substance on the outside, teeth can still get chips and cracks from hard items or from using them as tools. Additionally, the bacteria in your mouth can attack your enamel and weaken it.

8.)  There Are Hundreds of Species of Bacteria in Your Mouth

Plaque on your pearly whites is made from millions of bacteria, and there are about 200 to 300 different species. Even though there are many different kinds, the main one that causes problems is Streptococcus mutans, which produces enamel-dissolving acid when it eats sugar.

9.) Yellow Teeth Can Mean Decay

As bacteria continue to eat away at your smile, you can get cavities and decay. Your teeth may look more yellow, and you might have some sensitivity to hot and cold foods. However, stains can just be from food as well!

10.) You Produce about 10,000 Gallons of Saliva in a Lifetime

Every day, you make about a quart of saliva, which turns into thousands of gallons over time. Producing this much is important because it helps wash away bacteria and food from your mouth. Saliva can even help remineralize your enamel, so it’s important to drink plenty of water!

You now know your teeth a little better; there’s a lot more to them than just looking pretty! Be sure you keep up with an at-home oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist to keep them strong and healthy.

About the Practice

At Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, you benefit from a team of talented dentists who want your oral healthcare to be as comprehensive as possible. A beautiful smile begins with taking care of your teeth, and we want you to feel confident in knowing just how you can do that. If you want to learn more about ways to keep your grin pristine, schedule an appointment or call us at (308) 382-4440.