When we think about teeth, we often focus on keeping them clean and healthy, but there’s so much more to those pearly whites than meets the eye! Whether you’re visiting one of our Teddington dentists or simply brushing your teeth at home, you’re taking care of some fascinating body parts. Don’t forget to book your dental check-up at Church Road Dental Care Centre:

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Here are 10 surprising facts about your teeth that are sure to make you smile:

1. Your Teeth Are as Unique as Fingerprints

Just like your fingerprints, no two sets of teeth are the same. Your teeth, including their shape and alignment, are completely unique to you. This is why dental records are often used to identify individuals in forensic cases. So, when you visit our dentists in Teddington, we’re taking care of something truly one-of-a-kind!

2.Teeth Are the Only Part of Your Body That Can’t Heal Themselves

While your bones can regenerate and skin can heal from a cut, your teeth are unable to repair themselves once damaged. That’s why regular check-ups with your dentist are crucial to maintaining good oral health. If decay or damage sets in, only professional care can restore your teeth.

3.Tooth Enamel is the Hardest Substance in the Human Body

You might be surprised to learn that the enamel covering your teeth is stronger than any other part of your body, even your bones! It’s designed to withstand daily chewing, grinding, and biting. However, enamel can still wear down over time, especially without proper dental care.

4.Your Teeth Start Forming Before You’re Born

Believe it or not, your teeth begin developing while you’re still in the womb. By the time you’re born, your baby teeth are already in place, hiding beneath the gums, waiting to make their appearance.

5.Ancient Civilisations Had Their Own Versions of Dentists

Dental care is not a modern invention! Ancient Egyptians, for example, practised basic dentistry over 5,000 years ago, using a mix of herbs and crushed stones for toothpaste. They even created early forms of dental fillings, some of which have been found in mummies!

6.Some Animals Have Super Teeth

Humans aren’t the only ones with incredible teeth. Sharks, for example, lose and regrow thousands of teeth throughout their lives. Their "super teeth" are designed to be continuously replaced, ensuring they never run out of those razor-sharp weapons.

7.Your Mouth Produces About 100,000 Litres of Saliva in a Lifetime

Saliva plays a critical role in maintaining oral health, helping to break down food, wash away debris, and protect your teeth from decay. Over the course of your life, your mouth produces enough saliva to fill around 400 bathtubs!

8.Some People Never Grow Wisdom Teeth

Not everyone gets wisdom teeth! While most people develop these third molars in their late teens or early twenties, some individuals are born without them entirely. This might be because our ancestors needed them for grinding tough, raw food, but modern diets have made them less essential.

9.Chewing Gum After Meals Can Help Protect Your Teeth

Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can actually help protect your teeth. It increases saliva production, which helps neutralise acids and wash away food particles. Just be sure to stick with sugar-free varieties to avoid any cavities!

10.The First Toothbrushes Were Made of Twigs

Long before modern toothbrushes were invented, people used twigs to clean their teeth. Ancient civilisations would chew on the ends of twigs to fray the fibres and use them to scrub their teeth—primitive but surprisingly effective!

By learning more about your teeth, you can take better care of them and appreciate just how amazing they are! Next time you’re due for a check-up with one of the dentists in Teddington, you’ll have some fascinating conversation starters at the ready!

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