Your teeth are a vital part of your overall health and well-being. They help you chew, speak, and smile with confidence. However, many people don’t care for their teeth properly or have misconceptions about dentistry. Here are some interesting teeth and dentistry facts that you should know:
Timing is everything
The average person spends around 38.5 days brushing their teeth throughout their lifetime, which amounts to approximately two months! It’s essential to make sure you brush your teeth for the recommended two minutes twice a day for optimal oral health.
UIC/ Getty Images | Smiling is fun when you have healthy teeth and gums
Tooth fairy traditions
In many cultures around the world, it is tradition to leave a small reward under the pillow when a child has lost their first tooth as “payment” from the Tooth Fairy – typically money or candy. This is an incentive to maintain good dental hygiene habits and a fun reward while transitioning into adulthood!
Ancient innovations
The first use of braces dates back 4000 years ago! Ancient Egyptians used catgut strings tied around molars to align them properly, making them the first known civilization to have practiced dentistry as we understand it today.
Dental x-Rays are safe.
Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool that can help dentists identify dental problems that may not be visible during a routine exam. They are safe, and the amount of radiation exposure is minimal. The frequency of X-rays will depend on your individual needs and dental history.
Claudia Hammond/ BBC | Be true to your teeth, and they won’t be false!
A mouthful of dentists
Your average adult mouth contains 32 adult teeth – 12 incisors (the front four top/bottom pairs) , four canines (the pointed “fang” shaped ones), eight premolars (behind canines), and eight molars(for grinding food). That means that with enough dentists, you could potentially fill up an entire mouth with professionals!
Diet affects your teeth.
Your diet has a direct impact on your teeth. Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, such as candy, soda, and white bread, can contribute to tooth decay. On the other hand, foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products, can help strengthen your teeth. In addition, drinking plenty of water can help wash away food particles and prevent dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay.
Don’t forget about wisdom teeth.
Although wisdom teeth usually don’t erupt until late adolescence or early adulthood, they start developing during fetal development! That means that even before birth, there is potential for some serious oral surgery in the future!
UIC/ Getty Images | A dentist at work in his vocation always looks down in the mouth
Brushing and flossing are essential
Good oral hygiene begins with brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily. Brushing removes plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth, while flossing removes it from between your teeth and along the gumline. A plague can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious dental problems if left unchecked.
Your tongue tells a tale.
Your tongue plays an important role in determining your oral health; its texture and color can tell you a lot about potential problems, such as dehydration or nutrient deficiencies, that might need addressing! It’s always important to stay hydrated and get enough vitamins and minerals from your diet for optimal dental health.
Milk teeth
Every human being is born with 20 baby teeth, commonly known as “milk” teeth. By reaching adulthood, these have all been replaced by their adult counterparts.
