Many people don’t pay sufficient attention to the condition of their teeth. However, there are many oral issues that can cause various symptoms and make you really suffer from toothache. That’s why it is essential to know more about your teeth, proper care, and oral issues. In this article, we have gathered seven shocking facts about teeth you probably didn’t know.
1. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body
Your teeth consist of three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. The outer layer is tooth enamel that is mainly composed of minerals. Almost 96% of enamel is a mineral that makes it harder than bone. However, it is quite thin so it can be easily damaged while chewing hard objects, aggressive tooth brushing, or hits to the jaw.
2. Dentin grows, enamel doesn’t
Dentin is the tooth layer underneath the enamel and is harder than your bones. Dentin consists of small canals and passages through which nerve signals and nutrition are transmitted through the tooth. There are three types of dentin: primary, secondary, and reparative. Unfortunately, tooth enamel is mostly static but dentin continues to grow and change.
3. Cavities are caused by bacteria
There is a common misconception that tooth decay occurs because of sweets. Even though the increased consumption of sweets promotes the development of cavities, sugar doesn’t eat away your tooth enamel.
But the bacteria that consume sugar produce acids that soften and wear out the enamel and this results in a cavity. That’s why it is essential to remove these bacteria with the help of regular and thorough tooth brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
4. Tooth decay can destroy your teeth
Many people think that if tooth decay doesn’t cause severe toothache or the pain can be easily eliminated with the help of painkillers, there is no reason to treat it. But the reality is that a cavity can’t disappear on its own and then the decay reaches the roots of the tooth, you need to undergo a root canal procedure or even extract the tooth.
5. A knocked out tooth can be reattached
If your tooth is knocked out, you should see an emergency dentist immediately. In many cases, the doctor can replant the tooth and secure it with a flexible splint. If you have a knocked-out tooth, you need to hold it by the crown (but not by the root!) and rinse it with saliva, milk, or saline. If possible, put it back in your mouth between your jaw and cheek and try not to move it. You can also keep it in saliva, saline, or milk to keep it moist.
6. Teeth can’t heal themselves
The top layer of tooth enamel is not living tissue and can’t be restored on its own. In humans, only two sets of teeth (children’s and adult teeth) appear in a lifetime. If a permanent tooth breaks, it doesn’t regenerate. Instead, we need to use treatments such as crowns, veneers, or fillings to restore the broken part of the tooth.
7. Healthy teeth are not always white
Unlike what you see on TV or in movies, healthy teeth are not bright white. Instead, your teeth are naturally off-white. Dentin, a layer under the tooth enamel, is yellow and it can be seen even through the white tooth enamel. Indeed, you can always whiten your teeth but there is no reason to worry if your pearly whites are not so white.
The bottom line
If you have some oral issues, there is no reason to delay your dental check-up. It is better to be examined and treated in time rather than suffer from pain or experience aesthetic issues because of oral problems.
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