20 facts about teeth

January 17, 2022

  

Teeth are an important part of the body. They allow people to eat, speak, drink, and smile. But people don’t give their teeth much thought until something goes wrong. Here are some interesting facts that might leave patients wondering what else they do not know about teeth.

1. Tooth prints are unique to each person

Like fingerprints, the prints created by teeth are unique to each person. This is why dental records can often be used to identify a person. The same can be said for tongue prints.

2. Humans get only 2 sets of teeth

Humans only get two sets of teeth, primary (baby) teeth, and secondary (adult) teeth, which is why it is so important to take good care of them. Some animals like dolphins only get one set of teeth making them monophydont. Other animals like sharks get over 40 sets of teeth making them polyphydont.

3. Humans grow four main types of teeth

From front to back these four types include incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth works to help cut, tear, and grind food in different ways.

4. Babies are born with 20 primary teeth

Human babies are generally born with all 20 primary teeth located just below the gum line, waiting to emerge.

5. Primary teeth tend to emerge between 6 and 12 months old

Most baby teeth start to emerge around the age of six months old. But some babies are already born with emerging teeth and while others will not have teeth until after they are a year old.

6. Adults have at least 32 secondary teeth

Humans have 32 adult teeth waiting to take the place of primary teeth. These include eight incisors, four canine teeth, eight premolars, and twelve molars. Cats have 30 teeth, dogs have 42 teeth, pigs have 44 teeth, and an armadillo has 104 teeth.

7. Some people get an extra set of four molars, also known as wisdom teeth

In the past wisdom teeth would grow in to help replace missing teeth. But because of smaller jaws and a less fibrous diet, most people do not need wisdom teeth. Instead, they have an oral surgeon remove wisdom teeth to avoid complications.

8. Only 1/3 of a tooth is visible

It’s true, the crown of the tooth that is visible above the gum line only comprises about a third of the entire structure. The rest of the tooth is safely hidden below the gum line, making them a bit like icebergs. Every tooth has a root. Some have one, some have two, and some have three roots.

9. Human teeth do not keep growing after the second set has erupted

Animals like rabbits and horses have teeth that continually lengthen and grow. The teeth must be worn or filed down so they do not become too large. Human teeth do not continue growing.

10. Teeth are not bones

This might be surprising, but teeth are not considered to be bones. Teeth are similar to bones in some ways. But bones produce bone marrow and teeth do not.

11. Teeth consist of the hardest substance in the body

The enamel, which makes up the outermost surface of teeth, is the hardest part of the human body. Teeth are comprised of over 96% minerals.

12. Human teeth do not self-repair

Teeth are made of living tissue with a blood supply. This makes it seem like teeth should be able to repair or regrow. Unfortunately, teeth are the only part of the human body that does not self-repair. Once damage or decay begins the only reversal comes from restorative dental treatments. This is also why once a tooth is lost the only options are dentures, bridges, or implants.

13. An adult human has a 200-pound biting force

That is a lot of power! For reference, the biting force of a pit bull is 235 pounds. This is one of the reasons why people often resort to using their own teeth as tools for opening bags, removing lids, or biting fingernails.

14. Left-handed people tend to chew on the left side

And right-handed people tend to chew on the right side. Because of this, the majority of dental problems end up developing on the right side of the mouth simply because more people are right-handed.

15. On average, people only spend 48 seconds a day brushing teeth

Though the dentist recommends a full two minutes for brushing teeth, most people don’t even spend half that time. It may feel like a long time, but the full two minutes is the best way to achieve and maintain a clean and healthy mouth.

16. Flossing cleans 40% of the tooth surface

Not flossing can leave 40% of the tooth surface untouched. This is why it is so important to pair regular brushing with regular flossing.

17. Saliva is important for dental health

Saliva helps make food easier to swallow and can help neutralize bacteria in the mouth. Fortunately, the body tends to produce about a quart of saliva every day. This equates to approximately 10,000 gallons in a lifetime!

18. A wooden toothpick is the most chocked on object

Dentists tend to agree that a wooden toothpick is also the most damaging object to teeth and gums.

19. Many diseases are linked to oral health

Heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes are all linked to oral health. And visiting the dentist could help in the early discovery and diagnosis of these health risks.

20. The human mouth contains more bacteria than there are people on earth

And there are over 700 types of bacteria in the mouth alone. Approximately 300 of those different species are found in dental plaque and can affect the health of your teeth.

Yes, teeth are an interesting and essential part of the human body. And the more you know the better you can protect your teeth and maintain a healthy smile.  

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