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You know that teeth are useful (and necessary) when it comes to biting, chewing, and flashing a beautiful smile. But teeth are also a fascinating subject that dental researchers, anthropologists, and other scientists study to understand more about humans. Here are some interesting facts about teeth that will make you appreciate them and want to ensure you take time for thorough teeth cleaning.

5 Fun Facts About Teeth

1. Your Teeth Are Uniquely You

Just like fingerprints, the shape, size, and position of your teeth are unique to you. That’s why forensic scientists can use dental records to identify the unique pattern of a bite mark.

2. Babies Can Be Born With Teeth

teeth cleaningTeeth begin to form in the human mouth during development in the uterus, and the development continues after a baby is born. Although most babies do not get their first tooth until about six months of age, about one in every 2,000 babies are born with one or more teeth already emerged.

3. Cavities Are Only About 10,000 Years Old

Evidence of dental cavities in humans begins in human skulls found about 10,000 years ago, which coincides with the time when early humans began engaging in agriculture. Among hunter-gatherer humans, the incidence of tooth decay was five percent or less, while agriculturally based societies had decay at a rate as high as 85 percent.

4. Your Teeth Are Home to Nearly 400 Species of Bacteria

The inside of your mouth is its own ecosystem, home to 398 different species of bacteria, according to a study from The Ohio State University. The presence of bacteria is normal, and not all bacteria is bad. Your mouth contains helpful microbes—probiotics—that are good for your oral and overall health. Prioritize teeth cleaning with twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing to keep the harmful bacteria from decaying your teeth.  

5. Tooth Enamel Is the Hardest Substance in Your Body

On the Mohs hardness scale, which ranges from one to ten, tooth enamel is a five. It’s made of minerals—mostly hydroxyapatite and crystalline calcium phosphate. Tooth enamel is designed to bite, chew, and protect the nerves and tissues in your teeth from infection. Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s impenetrable. Without proper teeth cleaning, enamel can wear away, diminishing its ability to protect.

 

The team at Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska will help you and your whole family enjoy a lifetime of good dental health. This family-owned dental clinic has been serving Anchorage since 1964 and is a trusted part of the community. Dr. James Driskell and his team provide quality, compassionate care that respects each patient as an individual. Whether you need a dental implant or teeth whitening to improve your confidence, or teeth cleaning to keep your mouth healthy, Anchorage Dental Center is there. Call (907) 278-2521 or send a message online to request an appointment.

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