Human civilisation has come a long way from when it started. We now live in an era of technology advancements and continuous progress that even the worst dental health problems can be resolved through new methods and new generations of dentists. Besides an abundance of calibre experts, there are several ways to seek advice and access professional dental services. 

The field of dentistry has also evolved, offering services that are more cosmetic than medical in nature. Services like teeth whitening in Canberra, porcelain veneers, dental implants and inlays/overlays have enhanced smiles and recipients’ quality of life. 

But how much do we know about teeth? Get to know these impressive facts and use your newfound knowledge to take better care of your oral health.  

Strongest Substance

Contrary to popular opinion, your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and not the bone. More than 90 percent of minerals make up your teeth, which make them sturdier and more durable than bones. Calcium and phosphorus are present in your teeth and bones. The enamel also contains water and protein. It can remain durable for a long time if you avoid taking in acidic foods and keep your teeth’s PH (acidity) to normal levels.    

Tooth Enamel

Despite being the hardest substance in the human body, tooth enamel is not invincible. Enamel protects the underlying dentin and pulp of the tooth from decay and damage. Interestingly, tooth enamel is composed primarily of minerals, mainly hydroxyapatite, which gives it its incredible strength. However, it can still erode over time due to factors like acidic foods and beverages, poor oral hygiene and tooth grinding.

32-34 Permanent Teeth

Adults can accommodate 32 permanent teeth, set to replace 20 primary teeth. Some people may exceed this number when wisdom teeth start emerging from mid-teens to mid-twenties. All in all, a person can have a total of 34 permanent teeth. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth do not always grow well and easily decay. The impacted ones often require surgical extraction. They are not necessary for chewing, however, so removing them will not greatly affect your enjoyment of food. 

Unique Toothprints

Just like fingerprints, toothprints are unique to each individual. The arrangement of ridges, grooves, and other characteristics on the surface of our teeth is distinct for every person. This uniqueness makes dental records valuable in forensic investigations, aiding in the identification of individuals in cases where traditional methods might not be sufficient.

Cannot Heal by Itself

Unlike the cells and tissues in our body, teeth are unable to self-repair. Although nerve endings and connective tissues form part of a tooth’s anatomy, healing is only possible with professional intervention. Canberra dentists believe routine check-ups can prevent the worst dental health issues. A slight decay gradually worsens until you lose a tooth. The only available options to combat tooth decay is through root canal therapy or installing a crown or veneer.  

Incredible Bite Power

A regular human has around 200 lbs bite force. You often see people using their teeth to remove beverage crown caps or tear through junk food packaging. Our teeth are indeed that powerful. While it’s not wise to use your teeth as tools, the fact that some people use them without incident does prove a point.  

Different from Bones

The compositions may be similar but teeth and bones are not the same. A common misconception is that bones are stronger than teeth. But this has already been proven otherwise. Teeth have more minerals than bones, which is why they are far more durable and resilient. 

Constant Remodelling

Our teeth are in a constant state of remodelling throughout our lives. This process, known as dental remodelling, involves the continuous breakdown and rebuilding of tooth structure. It occurs in response to various factors such as chewing forces, dietary changes, and orthodontic treatments. Through a delicate balance of resorption (breaking down old tissue) and deposition (building new tissue), our teeth adapt to environmental stressors and maintain their integrity over time. However, this process can be influenced by factors like ageing, certain medical conditions, and oral health habits, highlighting the importance of proper dental care to support healthy tooth remodelling throughout life.

Your Dental Health Goal

Now that you know your teeth better, the next step is to start adopting healthy eating habits and regular dental hygiene. Despite their base strength, they eventually succumb to wear and tear. Set an appointment today with a trusted dentist or hygienist in Canberra. Your goal is to prolong your teeth’s health as much as possible.