6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Teeth

We don’t often pay too much thought to our teeth, despite the fact that they do so much for us! They help us eat, speak and sing – and our smiles wouldn’t quite be the same without them. Here are 6 interesting facts about teeth that you can use in your next game of trivia.

While newborns don’t usually have any visible teeth, their 20 primary (“baby”) teeth are virtually fully-formed. The primary teeth sit waiting in the baby’s jawbones until around 6 months of age, when they begin to emerge. While these teeth are temporary, they can decay and cause pain just like permanent teeth, so it is important to take care of them.

No two people have the same teeth – not even identical twins! Dental records are often used to identify individuals in legal and forensic cases based on the fact that teeth are as unique as fingerprints.

Your crown is just the tip of the iceberg – around two thirds of each tooth rests beneath your gums. The root, which anchors the tooth into position, makes up a large proportion of the structure. It’s essential to keep your gums healthy and avoid gum disease by brushing and flossing twice a day.

Believe it or not, the strongest part of you is on your teeth! Enamel is a substance made up of minerals which cover the outer layer of each tooth and defends them from decay. It protects the teeth against acids, plaque and extremely hot and cold substances.

Enamel cannot be regenerated – if it’s damaged, the body won’t be able to repair it. To look after your enamel, avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks (such as soft drinks), which will wear it down. Also avoid hard foods such as hard candy, which may cause the enamel to chip.

If your teeth are yellow, it doesn’t automatically mean they are decayed. Your teeth may start to become more yellow as you get older as a result of your enamel fading, revealing the naturally-yellow dentin underneath. Genetics may also play a part, as some people have thicker or brighter enamel than others.

While it is important to get your teeth checked out by a dentist if you’re experiencing tooth pain, especially while eating or drinking, there is a chance that it could be something else. If your upper teeth on both sides of your face are experiencing pain, it may be a sinus infection. Generally these symptoms will be accompanied by nasal congestion.

Your teeth are pretty amazing – make sure you take care of them like they do for you. Book in for a dental check-up with Hawkesbury Family Dental today. Call us at 45 777 311 or send us an email.