12 Fun Facts About Teeth

Teeth are some of the most critical parts of the body. They play a crucial role in eating and speaking, and they help us look good and feel confident. But how much do you know about teeth? Here are 12 fun facts about teeth we’ll bet you didn’t know.

You Spend 5.5 Weeks of Your Life Brushing Your Teeth

Do you think about how much time you spend brushing your teeth? On average, Americans spend 5.5 weeks brushing their teeth during their lifetime. That is about 38.5 days in life.

Flossing Removes 40% of Dirt from Your Teeth

Dental floss is one of the essential tools in your oral hygiene routine. It helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, leading to better oral health. By flossing, you can remove an average of 40% of your teeth’ dirt and food particles. So if you want to keep your smile healthy and bright, be sure to add flossing into your daily routine.

Dental Plaque Comprises Over 300 Bacteria

Dental plaque is an accumulation of bacteria that forms on the teeth. It is vital to remove plaque regularly, as it can cause cavities and other oral health problems. Plaque comprises over 300 different bacteria, making it a complex biofilm.

The First Commercial Floss Was Manufactured in 1882

It is hard to believe that the modern-day habit of flossing our teeth has been around for less than 150 years. The first commercial floss was manufactured in 1882 and consisted of a silk thread coated in wax. While this may not seem very effective by today’s standards, it was a vast improvement over the dental tools available. It took several decades for floss to become famous, but now it is an integral part of most oral hygiene routines.

Chewing Is Based on Which Hand Is Active

Chewing is a natural reflex that helps us eat and digest our food. However, the way we chew is based on which hand is dominant. Right-handed people tend to chew their food on the right side of their mouth, while left-handed people chew on the left side. This difference in chewing has nothing to do with taste or preference but with how our brains are wired.

Most People Prefer Blue to Red Toothbrushes

It has long been known that most people prefer blue toothbrushes over red ones. This preference is likely because blue is seen as a calmer color than red. While there are many different factors to consider when choosing a toothbrush, the color may be one of them.

Everyone Has a Unique Tooth Print

Every person has a unique tooth print, just like every individual has a unique fingerprint. If you have somebody’s tooth print, you can identify them with 100% accuracy. Despite this fact, tooth prints are not commonly used for identification purposes. However, in certain situations, they can be more accurate than fingerprints. For example, if a person’s fingerprints are smudged or damaged, someone could use their tooth print to identify them.

The Hardest Part of the Body is Tooth Enamel

The hardest part of the human body is tooth enamel. Enamel is the outermost layer of teeth and is the most challenging tissue in the body. It is made up of minerals, including fluoride, and protects teeth from decay. Decay can occur when bacteria in the mouth interact with food, causing acids to form that damage the enamel. Over-brushing, grinding teeth, and exposure to acidic foods and drinks can also damage enamel. Regular brushing and flossing can help keep enamel healthy and strong.

All Newborns Have 20 Primary Teeth

One of the interesting facts about teeth is that all newborns have 20 primary teeth located below the gum line. These teeth will eventually appear as milk teeth. Although they may fall out, they get replaced by new permanent teeth. Each tooth has a unique shape to help it do its job in the mouth. If a baby’s primary teeth are damaged, their adult teeth may become crooked. It’s essential to take care of your baby’s primary teeth so their adult teeth can come in healthy and properly aligned.

It’s a Misconception that Teeth Are Bones

A crucial fact about teeth is that teeth are not bones. This fact may come as a surprise to some, but it is true. Enamel, dentin, and pulp make up teeth. Although both teeth and bones are made of calcium, teeth cannot produce bone marrow as bones. Thus, the justification is that teeth are not bones.

Bite Force for a Tooth is 200 Pounds on Average

The bite force is the measure of a creature’s biting power. Bite force might be something you think only applies to carnivores, but even herbivores and omnivores have a bite force that helps them chew food. One of the fun facts about teeth is that, on average, a human has a bite force of 200lb.

Teeth Lack Self-Repair Mechanism

While teeth may seem indestructible, they are quite delicate. Unlike other body parts, teeth lack a self-repair mechanism, meaning that any damage is permanent. Due to this lack of self-repair, taking care of your teeth and regularly seeing a dentist for checkups is essential. By neglecting your oral health, you could be putting yourself at risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and even loss of teeth.

We hope you enjoyed our list of interesting facts about teeth. If you live in Southeast Michigan and have questions about your teeth or dental health, you can contact your nearest Fortson Dentistry location and set up an appointment today.