You probably already know a bit about teeth, at least the basics, like that most adults tend to have around 28-32 in their mouths. You would know that they can develop cavities, become decayed, if you don’t brush regularly. 

However, there are some facts that you would be unaware of. Some of them are interesting and some of them are just weird.

1. The hardest part of your body is actually your tooth enamel

Within each tooth lies connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve fibres. What protects this is the enamel of your tooth and this is the hardest part of your body because it needs to protect the makeup of your teeth.

2.Some babies are born with teeth

This is rare but some babies are actually born with teeth. In fact, it’s believed that around 1 in 2000 babies are born with natal teeth so those babies will be having an early visit to the dentist. 

3. Some children don’t lose their baby teeth

This is also rare but not every child will lose their baby teeth. Children generally start losing them around the ages of 5-7, and they are usually all gone by the teenage years. However, if a child does not have a replacement tooth growing then they won’t lose that baby tooth.

4. Dried fruit is worse for your smile than candy

It may be hard to believe but dried fruit is actually worse because it tends to stick for longer periods. 

5. You can have too much fluoride

Fluoride in toothpaste is important for dental health but you can have too much of it. If you have too much fluoride before the age of 8 you can develop what is called fluorosis, and this results in white spots covering the teeth. This can actually make you more susceptible to cavities.

6. Braces can cause cavities

Well, it’s not necessarily the braces that cause cavities, it’s not brushing regularly and flossing when you have braces. If you don’t brush and floss regularly then food is likely to get stuck in the braces, and contribute to bacteria growth, which leads to cavities.

7. Eventually, humans will no longer have wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth served a purpose for our prehistoric ancestors but not anymore. Our mouths are smaller, therefore there is no need for them and around 35% of people are actually born without them now. Even people born with them get them removed later in life. Eventually, we’ll evolve past them completely.

8. Some tumours can grow teeth

A strange fact but some tumours, such as teratoma, can grow teeth, hair and bones. This is because these tumours are made up from several germ layers.

9. We all have totally unique teeth

Just like fingerprints, we all have totally unique teeth and this is often why forensic investigators focus so much on them like they do on fingerprints.

10. Some people don’t stop losing them

There is a condition called hyperdontia where people keep growing teeth. People with hyperdontia have teeth that remain hidden below the gumline and can occasionally grow up and crowd the other ones. 

There you have it, 10 things about your smile you probably didn’t know. Some of them are weird and others a bit more normal. Now you may be thinking that they are that bit more fascinating than your first realised!

Contact our West Bridgford Dental Practice for first class treatments that can fix your smile and dental health!