6 Interesting Facts About Your Mouth

Oral care is by no means a practice reserved for the 21st century. In fact, the use of toothpaste dates back to around 500 B.C. Of course, materials like iron rust and coral powder were used at the time. Fortunately, modern dentistry has shed a lot of insight on how our teeth work, what they are made of, and which products are best for them. As a result, we can enjoy healthy, happy smiles for years and years! Keep reading to learn a few interesting facts about your mouth.

#1. Your Teeth Are Like Icebergs

Icebergs are large floating masses of ice that float out to sea after detaching from a glacier or ice sheet. But how are they like teeth, you may ask? Well, only about 1/3 is visible. The remaining 2/3 of your tooth is underneath your gums. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you prioritize gum health by brushing along your gumline, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and attending your biannual dental checkups and cleanings.

#2. Your Teeth Are Uniquely Yours

Like your fingerprints, your teeth are uniquely yours. In fact, even identical twins don’t have the same dental records! That’s why crime shows (and real-life detectives) utilize these files in their cases. Plus, your tongue has a unique “tongue print” too.

#3. Your Body Produces Roughly a Quart of Saliva Each Day

On a daily basis, you probably rarely (if ever) think about how much saliva you produce. However, your body creates about a quart of saliva each and every day – that’s 10,000 gallons over a lifetime! Since saliva plays an important role in digestion and the re-mineralization of teeth, it’s not hard to see why it’s such an important part of your oral and overall health.

#4. Enamel Is the Hardest Substance in the Human Body

It’s true! The outer-most layer of your teeth, enamel, is the hardest substance in the human body. However, it is by no means indestructible. Foods and drinks that are high in sugar, like soda and candy, create an enamel-eroding acid when they interact with the bacteria in your mouth, resulting in dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Since enamel can’t regenerate, it’s important to preserve yours by eating mouth-healthy foods, following a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, and visiting your dentist every six months.

#5. The Color of Your Teeth Says A Lot About You

Are your teeth white, brown, or somewhere in between? Their color says a lot about you. For example, patients with a bright, white smile likely have undergone a teeth whitening treatment, have impeccable oral care, have good genes, or a mixture of the three. A light yellow or grey tinge points to the natural aging process and solid dental hygiene. Pigmented yellow discoloration is often a result of unhealthy dental habits, like smoking and neglecting to brush. Brown teeth signal significant decay, which is often linked to years of not prioritizing good oral care best practices.

#6. Plaque Is the Enemy

Plaque is a white, sticky substance that hardens into tartar when not removed properly and consistently. Although brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash regularly will prevent buildup, you need to visit your dentist on a bi-yearly basis to truly free your teeth of it. So, don’t put off or skip your six-month dental checkups and cleanings!

Now you know a bit more about your mouth! Hopefully, the above facts have given you insight into just how unique your teeth and gums are, giving you extra motivation to take care of your smile properly.