15 Fun Facts about Teeth You May Not know! (Part 1)

Are you ready? We’re coming to you with 15 jaw-dropping facts about your teeth that will give you a reason to smile! Whether you’re a tooth fanatic, a trivia lover, or just intrigued by the mysteries of the human body, brace yourself for these quirky, strange facts about your chompers!

1) Did you know that baby teeth form before birth? Before a baby is even born, baby teeth are formed in the jaw. They don’t usually start to erupt through the gums until about six months old, though some babies start seeing teeth even earlier. *Fun fact within the fun fact: baby teeth are also referred to as ‘milk teeth’.

2) Although rare, a baby can be born with teeth. These types of teeth, called natal teeth, are usually underdeveloped or have poorly formed roots, so it is up to the discretion of a dentist whether they should be removed or not.

3) Humans usually have their first full set of teeth by the age of 3. Typically, there are 20 baby teeth in a child’s mouth, and a child usually begins losing these teeth around age 6.

4) Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. However, not everyone has them and they’re occasionally misaligned or the culprits behind spacing problems and have to be removed.

5) The tooth is the only part of the human body that can’t heal itself. Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits are critical and necessary when it comes to preventing cavities and other dental problems.

6) The plaque found on your teeth is home to more than 300 different species of bacteria. Most dental plaque is made up of two types of bacteria that are the primary contributors to tooth decay. It’s important to incorporate an antiseptic mouthwash into your dental routine to kill any germs still lingering in your mouth after brushing and flossing!

7) Tooth enamel covers the outer part of the tooth and is the hardest substance in the human body. However, it can be worn down by acid and a build-up of bacteria.

8) Tartar is the result of plaque and it can cause a hard, crusty deposit that can form on the teeth in as short as 48 hours. Tartar can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

9) Believe it or not, your spit helps! Saliva plays a significant role in our oral health. Not only does it protect teeth from decay, but it also helps heal mouth sores and prevents bad breath by washing away bacteria.

10) Grinding can wear your teeth down over time. Formally known as bruxism, teeth grinding is often triggered by stress, and most people do it in their sleep without even knowing it. 

11) Guess what? The color of your teeth is partly determined by your genetics. Although everyone’s teeth start off as white, certain shades can be genetically predetermined, so more yellow in teeth isn’t necessarily synonymous with being unhealthy.

12) In Norse culture, children who lose their baby teeth are paid a tooth fee by their parents as a reward for growing. So, we can likely thank the Norse for inspiring the concept of the Tooth Fairy.

13) There is a Hindu custom of throwing baby teeth onto the roof and asking a sparrow to bring a new, strong tooth. This custom also exists in Greece, Macedonia, India and China!

14) In Argentina and other Hispanic cultures, a character called Raton de Los Dientes, a tooth mouse, collects children’s lost teeth from under their pillows. In exchange, the mouse leaves a small gift or money in return. Would you prefer a mouse or a fairy delivering your riches? 

15) Teeth are as unique as fingerprints. In fact, even identical twins have different dental patterns, which is why dental records can be used for identification.

How many of these facts were already familiar to you? How many were totally new tidbits of information? We’re coming back with 15 more fun facts for you in a future post, so stay tuned!

As always, if you have any dental health questions or concerns, contact us – we’re ready to assist!