Our team at Dental Solutions of Columbus may be biased, but we find teeth fascinating! Not only do they provide the foundation for the first thing many people will notice about you (your smile!), they also help us eat and talk. We’ve compiled a list of five weird dental facts to show just how unique your teeth really are!
1. Tooth Enamel Is the Hardest Surface in Your Body
Your tooth enamel functions as a protective shield for your teeth and protects the more delicate dentin, pulp, and nerve endings inside. Your enamel is stronger than bone and can withstand a lot, but it still requires regular care in the form of good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice each day and floss regularly to limit the ability of bad bacteria in your mouth from damaging your tooth enamel.
2. You Will Spend Over a Month Brushing Your Teeth
If you brush your teeth the recommended amount (twice daily, for two minutes each time), you’ll end up spending 38.5 days brushing your teeth over the course of your lifetime. That’s time well spent, however: many common dental issues like cavities and gum disease can be avoided with good preventive care!
3. “Tooth Tattoos” Are a Thing
Apparently, some folks who get dental crowns are getting their crowns tattooed. While we haven’t come across any patients who’ve followed this wacky trend, we’ll keep our eyes peeled!
4. Cheese Can Protect Teeth
Our apologies to our lactose-intolerant patients, but this fact is too tasty not to share: cheese can help protect your teeth! Cheese can help neutralize the acid in your mouth and lower your risk for developing a cavity.
5. Taste Buds Are Replaced Every Ten Days
The taste buds on your tongue are what help you enjoy your favorite foods by detecting the five known tastes: sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and umami. The life span of taste buds is only ten days — maybe this will make you think twice about giving a food you don’t care for another chance!
Please contact our office to ask our team any questions or to schedule your next appointment.