The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. This allows them to monitor your dental health so they can catch and treat any potential issues, such as thinning enamel or swollen gums, before they progress into more serious problems.
But how much do you really know about your teeth? Continue reading to learn 3 surprising facts that you might not have known already!
Fact #1: They’re Larger Than They Look
Many people believe that they’ve thoroughly cleaned their teeth by brushing twice daily, but if you’re not also flossing, you are likely leaving plaque and bacteria behind. This is because about 1/3 of the total surface area of your tooth resides beneath your connective tissues where germs tend to gather. That means a large portion of your teeth are hidden and might develop damage that you can’t see.
Thankfully, you can remove germs and residue by flossing after you brush. This can help prevent oral issues, such as cavities and periodontal problems, while simultaneously freshening your breath to prevent halitosis. You should also visit your dentist twice annually so they can take X-rays to ensure no issues have developed beneath your gumline.
Fact #2: Enamel is Harder Than Bone
Enamel and bone are both made from calcium-based minerals, leading many people to assume that their teeth and bones are essentially the same. However, the truth is that enamel is the hardest substance produced by the human body.
The protective outer layer of your teeth is made of incredibly densley packed crystals of calcium and phosphate that don’t contain blood vessels or many organic materials, like your bones do. As a result, it’s usually harder and longer lasting, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. You can accidentally chip, crack, or break a tooth if you eat too many overly hard or crunchy foods, or sustain physical trauma, such as a blow to the face. While your bones can regenerate tissues to heal themselves, your enamel cannot, and will require dental treatment to repair.
Fact #3: They’re As Unique As Your Fingerprints
Did you know that no two sets of teeth are exactly the same? Even identical twins have unique smiles because different environmental factors and experiences can cause variations in tooth shape, size, color, and positioning.
Although genetics does play a significant role in determining what your teeth look like, their exact arrangement, contours, and occlusal patterns vary. That means your bite mark is uniquely your own. In fact, dental profiles are so individualized that they can sometimes be used to help identify criminals, just like fingerprints!
If you have questions about your dental condition or how to improve your at-home dental hygiene routine, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
About the Practice
At St. Alban’s Dental, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists eager to help you build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Aten, Dr. Cone, and Dr. Davico collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet the needs of people of all ages conveniently under one roof. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, then utilize advanced technology to customize treatment plans to address them. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (802) 524-4844.