You might assume that your teeth are nothing more than what you see in the mirror or what you use to eat, but the truth is that they are much more interesting than that. Dentists often enter the field of dentistry not only because they want to help others experience life with better oral health but also because teeth are fascinating! Read on if you are interested in discovering five additional facts about your pearly whites – they may just surprise you.
Fact #1: No One Else on Earth Has Your Teeth.
Similar to your fingerprints, your teeth are uniquely yours. This is why many forensic investigators and researchers use dental records to help identify individuals who have died as a result of a crime. Also, the imprints they can leave behind can be used as evidence when attempting to identify a perpetrator in a case.
Fact #2: Teeth Cannot Fix Themselves.
Self-repair is impossible when it comes to teeth. Once the damage is done, it can only be improved with the help of restorative treatment. Although tooth enamel is considered the hardest substance in the body, it’s not indestructible. This is why your dentist encourages you to take proper care of your smile with preventive care so that it will minimize the potential risk of damage and decay.
Fact #3: Some Individuals May Have Up to 6 Wisdom Teeth.
While the normal number of wisdom teeth a person might have is four, it’s possible for two additional ones to make their appearance, increasing the number to six. No matter how many, though, it’s often necessary for your dentist to remove these third molars, as they can damage your long-term oral health. The lack of space will often cause these teeth to remain impacted, which requires surgical removal, often between the ages of 16 and 25.
Fact #4: Saliva is Considered Your Teeth’s First Line of Defense.
Having a dry mouth can mean harboring harmful bacteria and germs that can infect and damage your teeth and gums over time. When saliva isn’t producing effectively, it is not neutralizing acids or flushing out the debris left behind in your mouth that can wreak havoc inside your mouth. This is why it’s important that you drink plenty of water, as this will encourage your salivary glands to work more efficiently, which will benefit your smile.
Fact #5: Changes to the Dentin Layer Can Cause Yellow Teeth.
Surface stains can be bothersome and are often caused by stain-causes foods and beverages and smoking. However, those that exist deep below the enamel – the dentin – can cause your teeth to appear yellow. If you recently had a root canal, it’s possible that the dentin layer may appear yellow, which can be visible through the enamel.
Asking your dentist about professional teeth whitening services or another similar cosmetic treatment can eliminate unsightly discoloration and allow you to like what you see when looking in the mirror.
Now that you know more about your teeth, their purpose, and what makes them work the way they do, you can make the right choices when taking better care of your smile each day.
About the Author
Dr. Monica Boehmer is an expert dentist in Albuquerque who remains a staunch advocate for preventive dentistry. Offering a range of services to patients in the area, she and her team provide solutions that eliminate existing plaque and tartar, minimize the future development of tooth infections, and reduce potential damage. If you need help taking proper care of your oral and overall health, contact us at (505) 271-8009 to schedule an appointment.