As a dental practice, we spend a lot of time thinking about teeth! Teeth are pretty amazing. They make it possible to chew, smile, and speak clearly. Here are a few things you may not have known about your teeth, according to the American Dental Association:
- The first electric toothbrush was introduced in 1954. Brushing teeth in some form or another stretches back to our ancient ancestors. Some of the very first brushes, thought to originate in China, utilized boar hair bristles attached to a handle.
- Each tooth is as unique as a snowflake! Like a fingerprint, each individual tooth in your mouth is uniquely shaped. Additionally, your teeth are completely unique from anyone else’s.
- The beginnings of tooth crowns are already in place at birth. Babies are born with teeth growing behind the gums! They begin to erupt at about the age of 6 months to 1 year.
- Flossing between your teeth is important. In fact, it is just as important as brushing the surface of your teeth. The entire tooth is encased in enamel, and it is this enamel that we clean with brushing and flossing to prevent decay and gum disease.
Here are some other facts:
- Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body
- Although tough, enamel can be broken, chipped, or eroded
- Enamel doesn’t really grow back if it’s eroded or damaged
- There are 20 baby teeth, replaced by 32 adult teeth
- Hundreds of types of bacteria exist naturally in your mouth
- Certain types of bacteria lead to teeth cavities
- Brushing and flossing disrupts the film of bacteria (plaque) and prevents cavities
If you have any questions about your teeth, our dentists are ready to provide answers. We are personally committed to helping each of our patients achieve their dental goals, whether that’s getting their oral health on track, creating a gorgeous smile, replacing a missing tooth, or some other objective. We have the experience, training, and qualifications to provide your ongoing dental care, as well as cosmetic dentistry services, restorative dentistry, and other treatments.
Schedule Your Next Dental Check-Up
If you live in Greenville, South Carolina, or the surrounding areas, please contact our dental practice to get answers to your questions or to arrange your next appointment.