Facts that you probably didn’t know about your teeth?

Human teeth are one of the most underrated and fascinating parts of the human body. Though they often don’t get as much attention as they are worthy of until there’s a problem, teeth play an incredibly important role in our health and well-being. Beyond their essential function of helping us chew and enjoy all our favourite food and speak with clarity, your teeth have some very interesting features that make them truly unique. 

From their composition to their role in maintaining your health, there’s so much more to teeth than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll explore some surprising and lesser-known facts about teeth that are bound to give you a new appreciation for these small but mighty structures.

The Anatomy of Teeth is More Complex Than You Think

At first glance, teeth might seem simple, but they are, in fact, multi-layered structures, with each layer performing a separate function. The visible part of the tooth is called the crown, which is covered by enamel. Enamel protects your teeth from damage but cannot regenerate once damaged, thus making vigilant dental care essential to preserve its strength and integrity. 

Beneath the enamel lies the dentin, a sensitive layer that makes up the bulk of your tooth. This layer contains tiny tubules that connect to the nerves of the tooth, meaning that if the enamel is worn down, it’s the dentin that is the culprit for the tooth sensitivity we are all familiar with. 

Positioned at the heart of the tooth is the pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves that keep the tooth alive and thriving in our mouths. The root of the tooth extends below the gum line and anchors the tooth into the jawbone, providing the strength and stability we rely on for masticatory activity. 

Your Teeth are Unique, Just Like Fingerprints

One of the most amazing facts about your choppers is that no two people, not even identical twins, have the same set. Just like fingerprints, your teeth have a unique arrangement, shape, and structure, making them one of the best tools for identification. This is why forensic experts often rely on dental records to identify individuals in crime scenes. 

Your Teeth Start Forming Before You Are Born

Even before you were born, your teeth were already developing. Tooth development begins around the sixth week of pregnancy, although they don’t begin to erupt in your mouth until around six months after birth. By the time a baby is born, all 20 of their primary teeth, or baby teeth, are already present beneath the gums. These teeth, more commonly known as milk teeth, then start to emerge with time as the child grows and are eventually all replaced by permanent adult teeth. The wisdom teeth, or third molars, erupt last, usually at the age of 17-20 years.

Enamel is the Hardest Substance in the Human Body

One fact that surprises many is that enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth, is the hardest substance in the human body. Its strength is comparable to that of steel, as it ranks high on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it even stronger than your bones! 

Composed primarily of calcium and phosphate mineral crystals, the enamel is incredibly durable and is designed to protect your teeth from the constant wear and tear of chewing. However, despite its toughness, enamel can still be eroded by acidic foods, sugary drinks, and plaque as well as trauma like grinding your teeth. Once enamel is lost, it cannot regenerate, which is why it’s so important to protect it by maintaining good oral hygiene and showing up for regular dental check-ups.

Teeth Are Incapable of Healing Themselves

Unlike other parts of your body, your teeth cannot heal themselves. When you break a bone, your body naturally repairs it over time, but when a tooth is damaged, it will not heal. This is because the tooth enamel is made up of a layer of cells that are lost shortly after teeth erupt in your mouth. For this reason, it is critical that you take care of your teeth, as you can’t get a second chance with them.

Saliva is Incredibly Important for Oral Health

You may not think much about saliva, but it plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Saliva helps to clean your mouth, neutralise acids produced by bacteria, and wash away food particles. You’ll be surprised to learn that the average person produces about 0.5 to 1.5 litres of saliva each day! Saliva also contains essential minerals that can help repair weakened tooth enamel, making it your mouth’s natural defence against cavities and gum disease.

Your Teeth Impact Your Overall Health

You might not expect there to be a link between your teeth and the rest of your body, but the truth is that oral health is very closely associated to your general health and overall wellbeing. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. In particular, periodontal disease (gum disease) has been found to have a connection with various systemic diseases, particularly heart disease, as inflammation in the gums can contribute to more damage and the development of plaque (fatty buildup) in the arteries.

This is why taking care of your teeth doesn’t just have to do with a nice smile—it’s also about maintaining your general health and protecting your body from more serious health problems. Regular dental check-ups are crucial in identifying potential issues early on and keeping both oral and systemic health in check.

Your Teeth Can Reveal Your Age

Dentists and forensic experts can use findings like the extent of wear and tear on your teeth, the presence of dental restorations, staining and discolouration, and other factors to roughly estimate how old you are. This is another reason why dental records are so valuable in forensic science, as they provide unique insights into one’s life and health.

Teeth Grinding Can Cause Serious Damage

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that many people experience, often without even realising it. Bruxism can occur during sleep or while awake, and it can lead to serious dental issues such as worn enamel, cracked teeth, and even tooth loss. Stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders are some of the common causes of bruxism. Seeking professional help can help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and help you break the habit. 

At Zental, we believe that adopting a multidisciplinary approach is the way to go when addressing multifactorial dental issues. For this reason, we have a team of skilled professionals trained to provide you with a personalised treatment plan that addresses each issue separately and is tailored to your specific concerns and needs. 

Dental Plaque is a Biofilm

You may think of plaque as a sticky yellowish substance that accumulates on your teeth, but it is, in fact, a biofilm—a layer of bacteria that forms on surfaces inside the mouth. Streptococcus mutans is the main damage-causing bacteria found in dental plaque and is the leading cause of dental decay. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gum disease and cavities. Vigilant oral care is imperative to prevent the build-up of plaque and protect your teeth and gums from the damage it can cause.

Preventive Dental Care is Key to Lifelong Dental Health

While teeth are incredibly durable, they require consistent care to remain healthy throughout your life. Preventive dental care is one of the best ways to ensure that your teeth stay strong and functional. This includes regular brushing and flossing, using fluoride toothpaste, and visiting your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. Early detection of issues like gum disease and tooth decay can prevent the need for more invasive and expensive treatments later on.

Active dental cavities are more common in school children worldwide as oral health is often neglected and taken for granted at this age. It is, however, important to understand that rotten milk teeth can damage permanent teeth. If left untreated, decay from baby teeth can travel deeper into the underlying jaw bone through the root canals. This may alter the environment around the developing permanent tooth and consequently cause damage to it. This response of the body can vary depending on the age of the child and the status of the development of the erupting permanent tooth. This underscores the importance of preventing cavities in children as it can significantly impact the health of permanent teeth.

The Bottom Line

Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly puts you on the right track to ensuring that your teeth remain strong and healthy and you get to keep them for a long time. As you don't get a second chance with your teeth, it is only wise to look after them while you still have them. Book a dental appointment now to let us help you care for your teeth and gums. Your teeth will thank you later!