You use your teeth to bite, chew and talk countless times throughout your day. Unless something is bothersome, you probably don’t give your grill a second thought. So, with our compliments, gnaw on this enlightening list of 10 teeth facts that you didn’t know about your teeth – but guess what – your American Braces and Smile Center orthodontist did!
Teeth Fact 1
A tooth can come into the mouth with a cavity.
Teeth Fact 2
A cavity is one of the few things the body cannot heal. It just gets larger with time, unless a dentist removes the decay and places a filling
Teeth Fact 3
A tooth can grow in upside down, sideways or backwards.
Teeth Fact 4
Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth that follow – it’s important to hang onto them until they’re ready to come out on their own.
Teeth Fact 5
While we’re on the subject of baby teeth, they’re also called “deciduous” teeth – from the Latin word “decidere,” which means to fall off or be shed (like leaves from a deciduous tree).
Teeth Fact 6
Teeth by the numbers: we get two sets of teeth – 20 baby teeth and 32 (usually) permanent teeth – unless you get extra teeth (supernumerary teeth), or some teeth never develop (congenitally missing teeth). Thank your genes for extra or missing teeth.
Teeth Fact 7
Research suggests that some sweet flavors in e-cigarette liquids may increase the risk of getting cavities. (As if nicotine addiction wasn’t enough already.)
Teeth Fact 8
Back teeth are called “molars.” They are used for grinding food when you chew.
Teeth Fact 9
Diet soda and sports drinks can be just as tough on teeth as regular soda. Both contain acid. Acid attacks the enamel surface of your teeth and can lead to cavities. Some bottled waters and flavored bubbly waters can be acidic enough to cause cavities too!
Teeth Fact 10
The part of the tooth you see, the crown, is only about a quarter to a third of the entire tooth. The rest of the tooth is under the gums.
Now that you have mastered these tidbits about teeth, you can amaze your friends and family with your trivial knowledge. 🤓
But your teeth are anything but trivial. Healthy teeth and gums are critical contributors to your overall good health.
Our orthodontists are ready to help you align your teeth and jaws for a healthy and beautiful smile. Visit an American Braces and Smile Center orthodontist in Woodbridge VA and Ashburn VA.
When you choose an American Braces and Smile Center orthodontist for orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a highly skilled specialist.
Click here to schedule your free no-obligation orthodontic consultation today.
