Did You Know…
Learn more about your teeth!
– Teeth can come into the mouth with a cavity already.
– Baby teeth are called “deciduous teeth” from the Latin word “decidere” which means to fall off or to be shed.
– Enamel is the hardest part of your entire body, even harder than bones, however, teeth are not bones. Enamel is not living tissue meaning that teeth can’t heal the way that bones do. However, if you lose an adult tooth you can sit it in milk and then put it back into place until you can get to a dentist, but make it quick, this is only a temporary solution.
– Just like fingerprints, no two people have the same set and layout of teeth nor the same tongue print. Your mouth is unique!
– A person spends an average of 38.5 days brushing their teeth throughout their lifetime. Most people only brush their teeth for 45-70 seconds, however, dentists recommend brushing for 2 minutes, plus flossing, to get the ultimate clean.
– Many diseases are linked to oral health including heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
– It’s very important to floss! When you don’t you actually miss 40% of your mouth, which can contribute to cavities and overall health and hygiene.
– Only two-thirds of your teeth are visible, the other third are underneath your gums. Another reason why flossing is crucial to maintaining good oral hygiene, you have to get into all the crevices!
– Cheese can protect your teeth. Cheese has calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth, but it can also balance pH levels. This helps to reduce acidity in your mouth, in turn minimizing the risk of cavities.
– Regularly drinking green tea can improve oral health. The tea has antiseptic properties that help with gum health, cavities, and bad breath. So next time you are craving some caffeine, opt for a green tea instead of coffee.
– The word, Orthodontics, is of Greek origin. “Ortho” means straight or correct and “dont” means tooth. Literally translating to “straight teeth”.
– Teeth move in response to pressure over time, so habits such as thumb sucking are going to negatively influence how your teeth are shaped. When it comes to orthodontics, constant, gentle pressure is applied to gradually get the teeth to the ideal position.
– Braces were originally made from gold. Until the 20th century, braces were reserved for the wealthy. NASA helped change that with the discovery of the nickel-titanium alloy. This material is used in most braces today and made them more affordable.
– Braces may seem like a recent practice, however, teeth straightening has been a process for centuries. Evidence has been found in Egyptian mummies, with some of them being uncovered with bands made from animal organs on their teeth, suggesting that they were using techniques for teeth straightening. The first official braces were created by Pierre Fauchard in 1728, who used wires and gold thread.
– The basis of Invisalign was created by students in 1997, who developed Align Technology at Stanford University.