Get to Know Your Smile: 4 Facts About Your Teeth

You may not realize it, but your teeth say a lot about you. They’re not just pieces of your mouth that help to chew through food, and they’re not designed to just be admired by others when making a first impression. There are many unique facts about teeth that are unbeknownst to most individuals, which is why we’ve included four key things you should know about your pearly whites so that you can take better care of them in the future.

They’re Just Like Fingerprints

Every person has a unique fingerprint that cannot be attributed or tied to anyone else. The same can be said for teeth. Although it is not the most pleasant idea to think about, many coroners and forensic specialists use dental records to identify human remains when no other parts can be used. While pearly whites may look the same between siblings or children and their parents, your teeth are yours.

Tooth Enamel is Harder Than Any Bone in the Body

With the realization that tooth enamel is harder than other bones throughout the body, you might assume it is unbreakable. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It can be damaged and even severely broken if enough pressure is applied. It can also wear down over time. The good news, however, is that it is made up of calcium and phosphate and is designed to protect the vulnerable parts of the tooth (i.e., the nerves, pulp, dentin, etc.). By using fluoride toothpaste or undergoing professional treatments, you can strengthen your tooth enamel and offer your smile better protection.

If You See Yellow, It’s Likely Tooth Decay

You might assume that any discoloration you see on your teeth is staining, but the truth is that if the color you see is yellow, there’s a good chance it could be decay. If left untreated, it can lead to cavities that require fillings or dental crowns. It can also cause immense pain within the tooth’s innermost layers, resulting in root canal therapy or even tooth extraction. Any development of color on the teeth should lead to calling your dentist for an appointment, as it’s better to have it checked early than to wait and see what happens.

There’s More to Teeth Than Their Crowns

What you see above the surface, the crown, is not the only part of your tooth. Yes, it is what you see when looking in the mirror or photos, but the majority of the structure exists beneath the gumline. The root remains safely out of sight since it is highly vulnerable to sensitivity, damage, and infection. Your gums help to protect it, which is why it’s essential that you take proper care of your soft oral tissues. If gum disease forms, it can put your teeth in jeopardy, resulting in worsening oral health conditions that can plague both the mouth and body.

Teeth are truly unique, and now that you know a little bit more about them, talk to your dentist about what you can do to take the best possible care of your pearly whites for a brighter future.

About the Author
Dr. Rina Singh wants you to have a showstopping smile. Using advanced techniques and technologies to help her patients achieve long-lasting results, she can blast away stains and discoloration deep below the surface, allowing for whiter, brighter smiles in less time. She can also rid smiles of damage and infection. If you want to learn what you can do to enjoy a healthier smile, contact us at (717) 937-8180 or visit our website.