Your oral system is a pretty interesting part of your biology. For example, did you know that tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the human body? Or that your jawbone has the ability to naturally fuse with biocompatible substances like titanium? There are plenty of fun dental facts to go around, and if you’re curious to see how your teeth might surprise you, keep reading!
1. Your Teeth Can Confirm Your Identity
This fact is a little morbid, but human teeth make for excellent forensic evidence. They have an incredibly high melting point, for one thing, and usually remain intact even when fire is hot enough to melt other parts of the body. For another thing, dental records are unique to each patient. No two individuals have exactly the same smile, which is why investigators can use dental records for identification purposes.
2. Dental Staining Has a Genetic Component
Do your teeth seem to stain more easily than others’? There could be a good reason for that! When dentin (the layer of your tooth that sits just below your enamel) is thinner than normal, it can make your pearly whites appear more yellow. Dentin thickness is determined by genetics, so if one of your parents also has trouble with tarnished teeth, chances are they passed down that trait to you.
3. Teeth Can’t Heal Themselves
Unlike most other parts of your body, teeth can’t repair themselves. If you chip or crack a pearly white, it’s going to stay like that permanently. And unless the tooth in question is a baby tooth, there won’t be a natural replacement for a knocked-out pearly white. That’s part of the reason it’s so vital to visit your dentist on a regular basis!
4. Saliva is Actually Really Important
Sure, saliva can be annoying, and if you tend to drool in your sleep, you have a valid reason for complaining. But it’s also an important part of your oral biome! Dry teeth are not healthy teeth, to the point where dentists will recommend putting a knocked-out tooth in milk or spit. Saliva keeps your mouth nice and moist so your pearly whites can thrive.
Believe it or not, saliva also helps keep your teeth clean. This liquid substance helps wash away bacteria and keep food pigments from staining your teeth. Of course, saliva can only do so much. You should still be brushing and flossing!
These four fun facts about your teeth and mouth only scratch the surface. Just browse the internet for a few seconds, and you’ll quickly see why an entire medical field is devoted to studying and treating them!
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Yenzer earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, and has advanced training in endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and implant dentistry. He has over 10 years of experience in the field, so you could say he knows a thing or two about teeth! For more information about your teeth and how best to take care of them, call Dr. Yenzer’s office at 636-778-3019.