Your permanent teeth play an essential role in your daily quality of life because you rely on them to perform basic tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling confidently. With proper preventative care, they can help you thoroughly chew food and enunciate clearly throughout your entire life.
Most people don’t think much about their teeth unless they have an immediate issue, and so they don’t know much about them. Continue reading to learn 3 fascinating facts about your pearly whites that might come as a surprise!
Fact #1: They’re Bigger Than They Look
Did you know that when you brush your teeth, you can only access a portion of their surfaces to clean them? You might think this single task can effectively remove unwanted residue, but it only addresses part of the problem. This is because only about 2/3 of the length of each tooth exists above the surface of your gumline; about 33% lives underneath your connective tissues.
Scrubbing the top surfaces of your teeth removes plaque and bacteria from the easy-to-access surfaces to prevent decay and disease. You must also floss twice daily to reach into the pockets of your gums to clear away germs that can infect your connective tissues or erode your enamel.
Fact #2: They Are Unique to You
Another thing many people don’t know about their grins is that they are as unique as the individual they belong to. No two people have teeth that look exactly the same, not even identical twins. Everyone’s pearly whites have variations in shape, size, alignment, and shade that make them distinct from someone else’s.
As a result, teeth can be used as identifiers, just like fingerprints. Forensic dentists can use dental records to identify someone’s age, lifestyle, and diet based on their tooth patterns alone. Your tongue also has a unique print because of its shape and surface textures.
Fact #3: They Are Stronger Than Bone
It’s easy to assume that teeth and bones are made of the same material because they both contain calcium and phosphorus. That said, your enamel is composed of a higher percentage of minerals, making it the hardest substance in the human body. It’s made from a dense concentration of hydroxyapatite, a crystalline calcium phosphate, making it exceptionally durable.
However, your teeth don’t contain living cells and blood vessels like your bones do, meaning they won’t regenerate if broken or damaged. Thankfully, your dentist can mend any injuries to safeguard your smile.
Proper preventative care is the best way to avoid common dental issues that can hurt your grin!
About the Practice
At Berquist Family Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from a father/son dental dedicated to helping build happy, healthy smiles. Drs. Daniel and Robert Berquist work together to provide a complete array of services at two convenient locations to meet all your needs, whether you require a basic checkup and cleaning or more complex treatment. They take the time to get to know you and then offer individualized solutions to improve your oral health and appearance using state-of-the-art equipment. You can request an appointment on the website or call (219) 226-0544.
