92% of adults in the US aged 20-64 have had some form of tooth decay in their permanent teeth.
It is clear that the vast majority of us need to do more to take care of our teeth. But with busy lives and high sugar content in our food, is not always so easy.
Your teeth are actually pretty amazing. And with a few tricks, you can help to keep them in good shape so that they can last you a lifetime.
So read on as we present some amazing facts about teeth and how to take care of them.
1. You Are Born with Your Milk Teeth
All of your milk teeth are actually already formed when you are born.
These teeth will then start to grow into place in the period known as teething. But sometimes babies are born with some teeth already fully developed.
Milk teeth still need looking after; rotting or missing milk teeth can affect how your adult teeth grow in.
2. Looking After Your Gums Is Just as Important
One-third of your teeth are hidden below your gum line.
If your gums are diseased then more of that hidden tooth will become exposed, leaving your tooth at risk. It is important to floss or user interdental brushes to keep your gums in good condition.
3. Tooth Enamel Is Harder Than Bone
Amazingly, the enamel of your teeth is even harder than bone.
The surfaces of your teeth are covered in this super hard enamel, with softer dentin underneath. But even enamel isn’t impenetrable. Acid created by sugary foods can eat through it and lead to cavities and other issues.
Brushing twice a day for two minutes can help protect your enamel and keep your dentist happy.
4. Steer Clear of the Beer
Alcohol may not taste sweet but it has a high sugar content.
Drinking beer, wine, and spirits can cause acid to build up in your mouth, with eats away at the enamel. So if you’re going to have a drink, make sure you rinse your mouth out afterward to remove as much acid as you can.
5. Your Teeth Are as Unique as Your Fingerprint
The exact shape and position of your teeth are as unique as your fingerprint.
That’s why dental records are often used to identify bodies. And because enamel is so tough, your teeth will usually survive even when you do not.
In fact, even identical twins have different patterns of teeth.
6. A Straw Can Help Reduce Damage from Sugary Drinks
You can use a straw to help protect your teeth from the acid produced by sugary drinks.
Using a straw allows the drink to bypass your teeth and pass into your throat without ever touching them. This can minimize the amount of acid that reaches your teeth.
Conversely, drinking from a can or bottle means the drink splashes directly over your teeth.
Have You Found These Facts About Teeth Useful?
If these facts about teeth have been of use to you, then there’s plenty more where they came from.
We have a ton of useful and informative articles full of healthy living advice. And if the teeth facts really floated your boat, we have a whole section full of facts too, as well as life hacks, travel hacks, and home tips.