The 5 Most Surprising Facts About Your Smile!

Your teeth – a part of your body that you may not think about much, are used to eat your favorite foods, speak your most interesting thoughts, and express your happiness. You know that you should brush, floss, and visit the dentist to care for your teeth, but there’s probably a lot that you don’t know about them. Read on to learn the 5 most surprising facts about your smile!

#1. Your Teeth Are Completely Unique

Just like a fingerprint or snowflake, your smile is unlike any other set of teeth. That’s why you may have seen dental records used to identify human remains in your favorite crime show – this is what really happens! Even identical twins have different teeth, plus your tongue also has its own specific imprint.

#2. Your Enamel is the Hardest Part of Your Body

The outer layer of your teeth is called enamel, which has the important job of protecting the inner parts of your smile. It’s mostly made up of calcium and phosphate like your bones, but the enamel grows even stronger because of the crystallites and proteins that form on it.

#3. Your Teeth Are Like Icebergs

Icebergs are huge, but most of their mass lies under the water, which is the part you can’t see. Your teeth are similar in that there is about one third of your smile that is hidden under your gums. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that you’re caring for your gums, including brushing and flossing around the gumline.

#4. Your Smile is Full of Bacteria

There are surprisingly between 200 to 300 DIFFERENT species of bacteria that live in your mouth. The bacteria cause tooth decay and cavities because it converts sugars and starches you consume into acids that eat away at your grin. However, it’s not all bad – there is actually some helping bacteria, which breaks down the food you devour. 

#5. Your Mouth Creates 10,000 Gallons of Spit

Your mouth makes about one quart of saliva every day, which comes out to about 10,000 gallons in your entire lifetime. Have you ever wondered why you have saliva? It plays an integral role in your daily health by washing away food and bacteria. Saliva also makes it easier to swallow, and it contains enzymes that get your digestion going.  

Who knew there was so much to learn about your smile? This unique part of your body deserves all the credit in the world! Keep these interesting facts in mind the next time you take a bite of food or flash your grin for a greater appreciation of your pearly whites.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Jason Tubo is a skilled dentist in Whitinsville who has been awarded Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD) and Fellowship status with the American Dental Implant Association. He brings his extensive training and experience to every patient he helps. To schedule an appointment or learn more about your oral health, Dr. Tubo can be reached through his website or by phone at (508) 234-8107.