Our teeth are essential to our health, well-being, and overall appearance, and there are many surprising and fascinating facts about them that you may not have known. Here are six shocking facts about teeth that will make you appreciate these pearly whites even more:
- Braces aren’t just for kids. About 25% of people who wear braces are adults. In fact, many adults choose to get braces later in life to fix issues they may have had for years, such as crooked teeth or a misaligned bite.
- Tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of our teeth, is the hardest substance in our body, even stronger than steel. This durability makes it able to withstand the daily wear and tear of chewing, biting, and grinding.
- Flossing is a crucial part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you don’t floss, you’re missing over 40% of the tooth surface, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. To keep your teeth healthy, make sure to floss every day.
- Keeping your toothbrush dry is essential to maintaining good dental hygiene. Bacteria grow faster on moist surfaces, so it’s best to keep your toothbrush in a dry place when you’re not using it.
- Over the course of our lives, we spend an average of 38.5 days brushing our teeth. That’s a lot of time dedicated to dental hygiene! By brushing our teeth twice a day for two minutes, we can maintain good dental health and keep our teeth clean and strong.
- Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, more prevalent than even asthma and fevers combined. Poor dental hygiene, sugary diets, and lack of access to dental care can all contribute to this problem. To prevent tooth decay in children, it’s important to establish good dental habits early on and take children to regular dental checkups.
Now that you know about the surprising and fascinating facts about your teeth, it’s important to take your dental health seriously. By brushing and flossing regularly, visiting your dentist for regular checkups, and considering orthodontic treatment if necessary, you can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile that will thank you for it!
