Modern dentistry is a relatively recent development and one that has revolutionised the way in which the world approaches dental health and hygiene. Nevertheless, it may surprise you to learn that toothpaste in one form or another has been used for somewhere in the region of 2,500 years. In ancient Greek times, it was commonplace for those in high society to mix together coral powder with iron rust to make a rudimentary product for cleaning teeth. And since they didn’t have toothbrushes, most people would instead chew on abrasive twigs ripped straight from trees.
Needless to say, things have come quite a long way since those times – much to the benefit on every single one of us! But despite the fact that personal oral healthcare is a concept that has been around for millennia, it’s surprising how little the average person really knows about their own teeth. You may have mastered using the best electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth on the market – the teeth you are cleaning on the other hand are probably something of a mystery to you.
Which is precisely why it’s a good idea to occasionally tool-up with a few interesting facts on the teeth most take for granted. After all, the more you understand about these genuinely priceless assets, the better the position you will be in to look after them for life!
So with this in mind, here’s a quick overview of 11 things you never knew about your teeth:
1 – They Are Unlike Anyone Else’s
First and foremost, your teeth have a lot in common with your fingerprints – they are absolutely, unequivocally and 100% unique to you and you alone. Even in the cases of identical twins, each sibling will have fundamentally different teeth than their counterpart. Which is precisely why dental records have been used for much of recent history as a means of identifying deceased individuals. And just in case you wondered, the same is also true for your tongue – it likewise has a 100% unique print like nobody else’s.
2 – They’re Good At Hiding
Just as is the case with an iceberg, somewhere in the region of 30% of each of your teeth is hiding beneath the surface of your gums. It’s being the exact reason why dental professionals are constantly reminding their patients of the importance of paying close attention to keeping the gums clean and healthy. Gums should be firm, a healthy pink colour and not overly sensitive or sore. If they’re anything but, you need to speak to your dentist.
3 – Enamel Is Hard…Very Hard!
The enamel that coats each of your teeth is not only hard – it’s literally the hardest part of your body. Most of it is made up of phosphate and calcium, which is exactly the same as the composition of your bones. The only difference being that the enamel on your teeth gains additional strength from crystallites and specific proteins, which make it an immensely hard and protective substance.
4 – Unfortunately, It Isn’t Invincible
That being said however, enamel can still be damaged in a variety of ways and it’s far from infallible. For example, anything that enters your mouth that contains acid or sugar can do a real number on the enamel of your teeth. Likewise, it is perfectly possible for the enamel on your teeth to be chipped or cracked as a result of excessive pressure or impact. Which is why it’s a good idea to invest in the best mouthwash for preventing tooth decay and giving your enamel the best shot at staying strong.
5 – Worms In Your Teeth?
Right up until the late 1950s, there were still millions of people who believed that a ‘tooth worm’ was the root cause of toothache. The myth basically telling of a worm that lives in the gums of human beings and causes pain when it moves around. When there was no pain to speak of, it was simply assumed that the worm was resting!
6 – An Early Start
Contrary to popular belief, your baby teeth did not in fact begin growing when you are a few months old. In fact, they began developing during the very early stages of your mother’s pregnancy. Not only this, but everything your mum ate, drank and did during those critical early stages will have had an influence on the development of your teeth. Which means that technically speaking, your teeth are actually considerably older than you are!
7 – Yellow Teeth Indicate Decay
Unfortunately, teeth that begin to show signs of turning yellow are not simply stained by what you choose to eat and drink. Instead, yellow teeth are caused by the slow but steady decay of the enamel protecting them, which of course isn’t a good thing. In many instances, decaying enamel can also lead to sensitivity and pain.
8 – Your Mouth Is A Haven For Bacteria
Revolting as it may be, there are up to 300 different species of bacteria in the average mouth – of which there are quite literally millions. And as is the case throughout your body in general, some of these bacteria are your friends – others are out to rot your teeth and cause you problems!
9 – You Produce A Lot Of Saliva
Also rather unpleasant to think about is the way in which over the course of a lifetime, the average person will produce no less than 10,000 gallons of saliva. Not the most attractive of thoughts, but surprisingly reassuring when you consider the fact that you rely entirely on saliva when it comes to looking after the health and hygiene of your mouth.
10 – Biting Nails Is Bad
While it’s not as if the average fingernail is stronger than a tooth, biting fingernails is one of the main causes of chipped teeth. It’s not the nail itself that causes the damage, but rather the way in which the teeth bang together quite aggressively.
11 – Mouths Are Getting Smaller
Last but not least, if you’ve ever wondered why more people than ever before need to have their wisdom teeth removed, it’s all to do with evolution. Slowly but surely, our mouths (or more specifically our jaws) are getting shorter in length, meaning there simply isn’t enough room for the teeth evolution has yet to eliminate entirely!
