Nov
19

How Much Do You Know About Teeth?

Even in Biology class you probably didn’t learn too much about your teeth. You know they’re supposed to be on the whiter side and you know you’re supposed to brush and gargle diligently, but how much do you know about the actual tooth? Learning more about your teeth can teach you how to protect your teeth better and prevent problems before they arise.

 

  1. Your tooth weight varies depending on what type of tooth it is and whether you’re an adult or a child. Generally the weight is between .5 grams to 2 grams.
  2. Enamel, which is the top covering of your tooth, is the hardest part of your body including all bones, nails, and cartilage.
  3. Your teeth are already inside of your mouth when you are born. They just don’t emerge until they are ready to. (This is why it’s important to keep a baby’s mouth clean even if they don’t have any teeth yet).
  4. You will only have 2 sets of teeth: baby teeth and adult teeth. Do not make the mistake of thinking that your teeth will keep growing back!
  5. Fingerprints are used to identify you, but your teeth are just as unique. Your dental records can show who you are.
  6. There are 4 types of teeth:
    • Incisors – There are 8 of these narrow edged teeth in the front of your mouth.
    • Canine – There are 4 of these sharper “fang” like teeth in your mouth.
    • Premolars – There are 8 of these transitional teeth between the canine and molar teeth.
    • Molars – There are 12 molars (including 4 wisdom teeth) in your mouth. They are located in the back and tend to be wider and flatter than the other teeth.

Altogether there are 32 adult teeth!

  1. Only 2/3 of your tooth is visible in your mouth. The bottom third is hidden under your gum.
  2. If you’re brushing correctly, you’re probably spending about 38 days brushing your teeth in your lifetime.
  3. Every year students lose about 50 million hours of school due to dental issues.
  4. Americans consume about 14 million gallons of toothpaste in a single year. Toothpaste is only 100 years old and it used to be made with charcoal ashes, chalk or lemon juice.

 

There are many other fun and interesting things about your teeth that you can research on your own! Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been educating and treating patients for over twenty-five years. If you have any questions call our New Fairfield, CT office at 203-746-1200 or make an appointment here.