Embark on a fascinating journey through the world of teeth, where we uncover incredible facts from the mighty tooth enamel to the unique fingerprints in your smile. Explore the hidden realms beneath your gums, understand the importance of preventive care, and witness the evolution of oral hygiene. Discover the metamorphosis of teeth from baby to adult teeth, and delve into their internal complexity. Don’t forget to brush twice daily and attend check-ups for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

1. Tooth enamel is the hardest part of the entire body!

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Even harder than bone!

This protective outer layer shields teeth from wear and tear, but it is not invincible.

Despite its resilience, enamel can be eroded by acids from bacteria and certain foods, so it’s super important to maintain good oral hygiene to preserve this crucial layer.

2. Your teeth are as unique as your fingerprints.

Your teeth are as distinct as your fingerprints, forming a unique dental pattern that sets you apart from everyone else.

It’s sometimes used for forensic identification, with dental records serving as a reliable way of establishing a person’s identity in police investigations.

3. One third of your teeth are underneath your gums.

Approximately one-third of every tooth lies beneath the gums.

It’s very important to make sure you have healthy gums – it’s just as crucial as caring for the visible portions of your teeth.

Healthy gums should be a pink colour and firm in texture.

Ensuring the well-being of your gums through proper oral hygiene practices is vital for overall dental health, as it directly impacts the support and protection of both the exposed and concealed parts of your teeth.

4. Teeth are the only part of your body that can’t repair itself. 

Unlike other parts of the body, teeth lack the ability to repair themselves.

Once damaged, a tooth cannot regenerate or heal.

This is why it’s so important for preventive dental care and going to the dentist quickly when you have an issue to avoid long-term damage.

Find out how to stop tooth decay!

5. Modern toothpaste has only been available for around the past hundred years.

Modern toothpaste has been available for about a century.

Before its invention, humans used various mixtures for oral hygiene, including crushed oyster shells, ground chalk, charcoal, pulverised brick, lemon juice, and salt.

There are always ongoing efforts to improve dental health practices.

What were dentists like in the olden days?

6. Young children have 20 teeth and adults have 32 teeth!

Humans go through two sets of teeth during their lifetime.

The first set, consisting of 20 baby teeth, is gradually replaced by the second set of 32 adult teeth.

At around 6 years old, the baby teeth start to fall out and adult teeth push through.

How many baby teeth have you lost so far? Maybe you’ve lost them all! Tell us in the comments below.

7. Adults have four types of teeth.

Adults have four types of teeth, incisors, canines, molars, and premolars, each with a specific function in the chewing and grinding process.

Each of the tooth types help with the digestive process.

8. On average we spend 38 days brushing our teeth in our lifetime.

On average, we spend approximately 38 days of our life brushing our teeth.

You should be brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, so set that timer!

What happens when we brush our teeth and what happens when we don’t?

9. Inside each tooth is blood vessels and nerves.

Did you know that inside each tooth there are blood vessels and nerves?

Blood vessels bring essential nutrients to the teeth. These nutrients include minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for keeping the teeth strong and healthy. Oxygen is carried by the blood vessels to the cells within the teeth too, supporting their overall function.

The nerves tell the brain if something is too hot, cold, or if you’re biting into something super crunchy.

It’s their way of helping you keep your teeth safe.

10. You should always brush your teeth twice a day!

Dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth twice a day.

This routine helps to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles, preventing issues such as cavities and gum disease.

Consistent brushing, along with regular dental check-ups, contributes to the overall health and longevity of your teeth.