Your teeth and smile are one of the most appealing parts of your body. There is truly nothing more welcoming than a bright and clean smile.
Our teeth are amazing and unique. There’s always something new to discover and explore. One of the most interesting things about teeth is they are the hardest substance in the human body. Bone teeth do not grow back. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you do your best to keep them healthy and in good shape.
Tooth Decay
Taking proper care of your teeth is critical to your overall health. In this article, we’ll dive into some interesting, shocking, and fun facts about teeth.
Did you know that among children, untreated cavities may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning? Untreated cavities can also lead to an abscess (a severe infection) under the gums. Which can result in the spreading to other parts of the body causing life-threatening consequences.
After the common cold, tooth decay has become the second most common disease among individuals in the United States. For example, at the age of 17, around 78% of Americans have at least one cavity. This has resulted in tooth decay being the most common disease among our youth. The spike in tooth decay in our youth has raised caution and concern, forcing dentists to emphasize the importance of prioritizing dental checkups and having a consistent daily tooth cleaning and flossing routine.
Also, it’s estimated that more than 36 million Americans do not have teeth and 120 million people in the United States are missing teeth. These numbers are expected to increase within the coming decades.
Baby Teeth
Did you know that the professional term for baby teeth is deciduous teeth?
All baby teeth will usually arrive within the first three years of their life. The role of baby teeth is critical especially since they play a major role in the development of speaking.
Once your adult teeth come in, they are there to stay (if properly cared for). Our teeth are the only part of our bodies that cannot repair themselves. Tooth enamel is non-living tissue and is the hardest part of the entire body; even harder than our bones!
Most people receive all 32 of their new teeth between the ages of 12-14. Even though adult teeth may appear bigger and longer, they actually do not grow as one continues to age.
Speaking of losing baby teeth, have you ever wondered how the tale of the Tooth Fairy began? The very first mention of the “Tooth Fairy” was published in an article in the 1908 edition of the Chicago Tribune. In this article, the author, Lillian Brown, suggested the idea to new parents to help them give their children an incentive to have their baby teeth pulled.
Oral Health and the Human Body
Did you know teeth that go uncared for can cause serious (even life-threatening) health problems?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, damages the soft tissue of the gums as well as the bone that supports your teeth. This can lead to the loosening of your teeth and eventually tooth loss.
Bad dental health can also cause chest pain, heart attacks, and even heart disease. When one chooses not to take care of their teeth, it’s more likely that harmful bacteria will get into the bloodstream, which can affect your heart valves.
There are about 10,000 taste buds in the human mouth, with the majority of them being located on the tongue. A person’s tongue print and teeth are as unique as their fingerprint. This means that we are all unique and different since there is no such thing as having the same set of teeth.
Foods that Cause Dental Decay
Did you know that a dentist invented cotton candy?
Just because a dentist created one of the best sweet candies in the world does not mean it’s good for our oral health. One of the reasons why candy is so bad for our teeth and gums is the number of bacteria it produces. Sugar essentially creates bacteria growth and acid production, which results in the development of gum disease, tooth decay, oral infections, and dry mouth.
The acid found in citric fruits and juices can also erode tooth enamel and irritate mouth sores. Limiting the intake of citric fruits and juices can help you keep your enamel healthy and strong.
Many people think that chewing ice is good for your teeth because it’s simply made of water without any sugars. However, since ice is such a hard substance, when you chew it, you are waiting for a dental emergency to happen.
Another common drink we consume daily is coffee. As great as coffee is for our soul it is not great for our teeth. Coffee stains our teeth and leaves our mouth feeling dry which can lead to an increase in plaque, gum disease, and tooth decay. Another issue that is often forgotten about is the amount of sugar that we put into our coffee daily. Sugar is very harmful to our teeth, especially the absurd amounts we put into our coffee. Limiting the amount of sugar you add to your coffee can play a vital role in regards to preventing tooth decay or acquiring any other disease.
When you chew food that is sticky (such as dried fruit or trail mix), it tends to stay on your teeth longer. After eating sticky foods, be sure to rinse with water, brush your teeth, and use dental floss to remove the food particles that are left behind.
Oral Health History
It’s interesting to know that they valued oral health and cleanliness. In fact, the toothpaste they experimented with consisted of dried iris flowers, rock salt, pepper, and mint that were crushed into a fine paste and mixed with water. Other civilizations were known to use crushed oyster shells in their toothpaste.
On the other hand, have you ever thought about who created the first toothbrush?
According to history, the Chinese are recognized for creating the first natural-thistle toothbrush. They would use pigs’ hair for the bristles and bamboo or bone for the handles of the brush. The toothbrushes were eventually introduced to Europe, where the Europeans gradually transitioned to using horse hair.
Dentures were first introduced back in 700 B.C. in Egyptian and Mexican civilizations. They consisted of human or animal teeth tied together with wires. Examples of such dentures have been discovered in many archeological sites. Other civilizations used shells or carved stones to replace their lost teeth.
Now you know!
Hopefully, you’ve been able to learn some fun and interesting facts about teeth that you can share with your friends!
I am sure these facts have raised some concern for you or your loved ones. However, it’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth. At Clock Tower Dental, we understand the importance of your oral health which is why our experienced dentists and hygienists are here to help you with all of your dental needs.
