When it comes to your teeth, you may not think they’re anything too special. Yes, they help you eat and chew, and they can help you feel more confident, but that’s about all, right? Wrong! Your pearly whites are far more interesting than you realize, which is why your dentist is here to share 5 unique facts that will have you looking at your smile in a whole new way.
1. No One Else Has Your Same Exact Teeth
When you think about what is uniquely yours, you might refer to your fingerprint. No one else in the world has the same one as you. The same can be said for your teeth. They are exclusive to you. This is why you often hear medical examiners referring to dental records when attempting to identify a person after they are deceased.
2. Tooth Enamel is the Hardest Substance in Your Body
This can’t be true, can it? Yes, it is! Your tooth enamel is made up of calcium and phosphate as well as unique proteins and crystallites. This allows it to remain strong and durable. Because it is the outermost layer of your teeth, it’s imperative that you protect it as best as you can. While it may take time for decay to form, bacteria can penetrate it over time, resulting in cavities. This is why you must maintain good oral hygiene and wear a customized mouthguard to avoid potential damage while playing sports. It may be the hardest substance in your body, but it’s not indestructible.
3. Throughout Your Life, You Will Produce More Than 10,000 Gallons of Saliva
Your saliva production is an important component of your oral health. It washes away debris that tries to stick to your teeth and gums. When you consider how much of it you produce over your lifetime, it averages to about 10,000 gallons! This is why it’s important that you stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Keeping your salivary glands working at an optimal level allows for positive oral health because of its ability to wash away bad bacteria and food particles that can cause harmful acids to form.
4. If Your Teeth Are Yellow, It Means There Is Decay
No one likes to see yellow teeth when looking in the mirror, but what does it mean other than staining and discoloration? It means you’re dealing with tooth decay. Your teeth are meant to be white; however, when neglecting your oral hygiene routine, you will notice that your pearly whites no longer appear bright and shiny. Instead, they are yellow and may become painful. As a result, you’ll be required to undergo restorative treatment to address the problem.
5. Plaque is NOT Your Friend
You’ve probably heard your dentist refer to the dangers of plaque and tartar. Its white and sticky consistency causes tooth decay and cavities to form over time. If you are avoiding brushing and flossing each day and do not regularly see your dentist for checkups and cleanings, it will grow and spread, causing infections and gum disease. Fortunately, with good oral habits at home and professional cleanings, you can remove plaque and keep your smile looking and feeling healthy.
Your teeth are one of the most important components of your overall health and wellbeing. Taking proper care of them will benefit you well into the future both physically and mentally.
About the Practice
At Smile More Dentistry, our team of dentists believes in helping all patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. This is why we offer preventive dental services designed to help you maintain good oral health and prevent problems before they start. Issues like morning breath can keep you from feeling confident in yourself but with our help, we can help you employ the right tools and techniques to mitigate the problem and start enjoying a healthier smile. To find out more about what we can do to minimize the potential decay and cavities, visit our website or call (845) 675-1512.