Your smile is one of the first things that people will notice about you, meaning that you should want your teeth to always look their best. But the more you know about your teeth, the easier it becomes to take care of them! Here are a few interesting facts about teeth from your dentist in Denison that are sure to impress you and inspire you to practice good oral hygiene.
Your Teeth Are Unique
Your teeth are similar to your fingerprints in that they’re uniquely yours; even identical twins don’t have identical teeth! However, most of us do have the same number of teeth—32 in total, composed of eight incisors (front teeth), four canine teeth, eight premolars, and twelve molars.
Enamel Is the Hardest Part of Your Body
The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth, and believe it or not, it’s technically the hardest part in your entire body. Enamel is meant to protect your teeth and is composed of calcium and phosphate, like your bones—however, it’s much stronger because of the specific proteins and crystallites that form it. After all, it needs to be tough in order to help your teeth withstand the forces of biting and chewing! That said, be sure to keep in mind that it’s not invincible and can still become chipped, cracked, or affected by decay.
Your Mouth Is Home to 300 Types of Bacteria
Plaque contains millions of bacteria which is made up of 200 to 300 different unique species. Of them all, the main culprit for poor oral health is Streptococcus mutans, which is responsible for converting sugar and other carbohydrates into the acids that end up eating away at your teeth. And without removal, this plaque can also harden and develop into tartar which is quite stubborn to remove. Be sure you’re brushing and flossing daily to counteract this, as well as visiting your dentist for preventive care!
You Create a Lot of Saliva
Your saliva is your mouth’s first line of defense; fortunately, you produce quite a bit of it! Your body makes about a quart of saliva every day, which comes out to about 10,000 gallons over a lifetime. Saliva helps to wash away lingering food particles and also contains calcium and phosphate, which can neutralize the acids in plaque that cause decay. Saliva also makes food easier to swallow and digest!
When it comes to your teeth, knowledge is power—it will ensure that you’re able to protect them for several years to come!
About the Practice
The team at 32 & You Family Dental & Orthodontic Arts is thrilled to serve patients and families in Denison under the leadership of Dr. Ryan Bygness. Dr. Bygness received his DDS from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and is a proud member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit, you can contact Dr. Bygness through his practice’s website or by phone for assistance: (712) 263-3252.