If you brush and floss your teeth every morning and night, you probably are already aware that keeping them clean can help prevent common dental concerns, such as cavities, gum disease, or injuries.
Maintaining your oral health helps prevent potential issues that could affect your smile’s appearance and functionality. But how much do you actually know about the pearly white mounds in your mouth? Continue reading to learn more about 3 fascinating facts about them you might not have known already!
Fact #1: They’re Completely Unique
Would you be surprised to learn that your teeth are as unique to you as your fingerprints? No two individuals on earth, not even identical twins, have the exact same dental profile. This is because they can be shaped and affected by different factors unique to you, including your genetics, hygiene habits, diet, and daily activities.
As a result, dental records can be used to assist with postmortem identification or identifying culprits in a crime scene, just like fingerprints are. As if that weren’t interesting enough, you might be fascinated to learn that your tongue also has a unique “print” based on its distinct size, shape, and patterns of ridges.
Fact #2: They’re Harder Than Bone
Many people assume that if they’ve chipped a tooth or developed a toothache, the issue will eventually resolve itself, the way damaged bones do. After all, they’re both primarily composed of hard minerals, like calcium, phosphorus, and hydroxyapatite, which gives them their distinctive hard, white appearance.
But the truth is that dental issues rarely mend themselves because they don’t contain blood vessels like bones do. In fact, the protective outer layer of your teeth is much harder than bone, because it’s composed of a denser, more rigid concentration of minerals. This is why teeth often outlast bones and are sometimes the only remains left at archeological sites.
Fact #3: You Spend About One Day a Year Brushing Them
Did you know that the American Dental Association has specific recommendations for when and how long to clean your teeth? For example, they suggest brushing and flossing for at least two full minutes both morning and night to remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to dental concerns, such as tooth decay or periodontal disease.
This might seem like a long time if you’re in a hurry to get ready for work in the morning. But over the course of a year, this 4-minute daily total adds up to just over 24 hours’ worth of cleaning, which is only 1 out of 365 days!
Your teeth play an essential role in your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, so it’s worth investing time and effort into routine maintenance. If you have additional questions about your dental condition or at-home dental hygiene routine, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your provider!
About the Practice
Patients at Eley Family Dentistry benefit from two brother dentists eager to help patients in Melbourne build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Drs. Joel and Daniel Eley collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including routine checkups and cleanings, to meet your family’s needs conveniently under one roof. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, then utilize advanced technology to devise treatment plans tailored to meet them. You can request an appointment on the website or call (321) 622-8711.