Can you imagine trying to bite into a delicious piece of cake without your teeth? Or trying to smile for a photo or catch up with a loved one without them? It would be extremely difficult! The truth is that your teeth play a crucial role in your self-esteem, your diet, your relationships, and your overall quality of life. Here are six little-known facts about them!
1. Your Enamel Is the Strongest Part of Your Body
Like your bones, enamel is mostly comprised of calcium and phosphate. However, it’s considerably stronger because of the specific proteins and crystallites that form it. That said, it’s not indestructible. The key to keeping your teeth decay and infection-free is committing to good habits, like brushing and flossing each night before you go to bed.
2. Your Saliva Helps Protect Your Teeth from Decay
Patients often think that their toothbrush is their teeth’s best friend. It’s actually saliva! Not only does it help remove food particles and residue, but it also helps neutralize your mouth. That’s why patients are encouraged not to get in the habit of snacking a lot. Your saliva production is the highest during meals, which helps protect your teeth from decay.
3. Your Teeth Are Uniquely Yours
Are you a fan of true crime content? If so, then you may have seen detectives using dental records to solve cases throughout the years. That’s because your teeth are as unique as your fingerprints! Not only that, but if an impression of your tongue was taken, the print wouldn’t match anyone else in the world.
4. Your Teeth Cannot Heal Themselves
Although your teeth help you eat all of your favorite foods and they are protected with the strongest material in the human body, they are not capable of healing themselves. So, if you notice something is wrong – whether it’s pain when biting down or dark, noticeable discoloration – you shouldn’t take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, give your dentist a call ASAP.
5. You May Not Have Any Wisdom Teeth
Having your wisdom teeth extracted is viewed as a rite of passage nowadays. However, there are some patients who simply don’t have a third set of molars. It’s believed that genetics plays a large role in whether or not a patient has them. So, if your parents didn’t, you may not either!
6. You Can Develop Cavities Between Your Teeth
Did you know that brushing only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth? Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash helps remove plaque, food particles, and other debris from the remaining 40%, reducing your risk of interproximal cavities in the process. So, if you haven’t already, make sure that you’re flossing and rinsing with mouthwash each day too!
About the Doctor
Since earning his DDS at Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Rodney L. Allen has remained committed to continuing education and advanced training. In fact, he has even completed classes at Spear Education! Now, he uses everything he has learned throughout his 20+ year career to help our patients achieve their healthiest, happiest smiles. If you have a question for him about your oral health or you’re overdue for your six-month checkup, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment via our website or by phone at (720) 851-6784.