Teeth are an essential part of our daily lives, but how much do we really know about them? From their unique composition to their historical significance, teeth have a wealth of fascinating facts waiting to be uncovered. Luckily, our dentist in Mission, BC, is here to help us better understand our smiles and general dentistry principles.
At Wren Street Dental, we love teaching patients about their smiles. If you want to learn more about what makes your smile unique, contact our dentist in Mission, BC, at (604) 820-8702.
In this blog, Dr. Amol Shergill dives into 10 interesting facts about teeth. You might be surprised to learn just how fascinating our chompers can really be!
1. Teeth Are Unique Like Fingerprints
Our fingerprints are entirely unique to us, and so are our teeth. This individuality is what makes dental records such a valuable tool in forensic science. Dental experts can identify individuals based on their dental records with roughly 90% accuracy, even when other forms of identification are unavailable.
2. Tooth Enamel Is the Toughest Substance in the Body
Tooth enamel (the outer coat of our teeth) is the toughest substance in the human body, even tougher than bone. This remarkable strength allows our teeth to withstand the pressures of chewing and grinding food daily.
3. Teeth Can Reveal Your Age
Dentists often examine teeth to estimate a person’s age when there’s no official documentation available. The wear and tear on teeth, along with changes in the density of dental tissues, can offer valuable insights into a person’s age.
4. Teeth Are Not Indestructible
Despite their strength, teeth are not indestructible. They can be damaged or worn down over time, leading to dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
5. Your Teeth Are as Unique as Your Diet
Different diets can lead to distinct dental characteristics. For instance, the teeth of herbivores (like cows) are designed for grinding vegetation, while the sharp teeth of carnivores (like lions) are adapted for tearing meat. Humans are omnivores, which is why we have a mix of both sharp and grinding teeth.
6. Ancient Dental Practices Were Surprisingly Advanced
The Mayans were known to use primitive dental drills made from sharpened stones to perform dental procedures. Similarly, the ancient Egyptians were skilled in dental procedures, like fillings and extractions.
7. Tooth Decay Is One of the Most Common Diseases Worldwide
Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds, leading to pain and serious oral health issues, if left untreated.
8. Sharks Are Constantly Replacing Their Teeth
Sharks have several rows of sharp teeth that they can easily replace throughout their lives. In fact, some species can replace tens of thousands of teeth in a lifetime.
9. Teeth Can Reveal Clues About Ancient Diets
Anthropologists and archaeologists often study ancient teeth to gain insights into the diets of long-gone civilizations. By analyzing dental wear patterns and the presence of food particles trapped in dental calculus (tartar), researchers can reconstruct the diets of ancient people.
10. Teeth Continue to Develop After Birth
An extra set of molars (known as wisdom teeth) typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, not everyone develops these extra teeth, and they may need to be removed if they cause problems.
Learn More Facts from Our Dentist in Mission, BC
If you want to learn more about teeth and dental health, contact our dentist in Mission, BC. You can reach Dr. Amol Shergill online, or you can call Wren Street Dental at (604) 820-8702 for more information!
